Give the systematic name for the following polyatomic ion.
NO₂^–

• A. nitrate
• B. nitrite
• C. nitrous
• D. pernitrate

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula given in the problem: NO2–.
2. Recognize that NO2– is a polyatomic ion, which is a charged species composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded.
3. Recall the naming conventions for polyatomic ions: ions with one less oxygen than the 'ate' form are named with the suffix 'ite'.
4. Compare the given ion NO2– with the common polyatomic ion NO3–, which is known as nitrate.
5. Since NO2– has one less oxygen than NO3–, it is named nitrite, following the 'ite' suffix rule for polyatomic ions with fewer oxygens.