1. Understand the Components:
* Sodium (Na): A Group 1 element, it forms ions with a +1 charge (Na⁺).
* Sulfite (SO₃²⁻): This is a polyatomic ion with a -2 charge.
2. Balancing Charges:
To create a neutral compound, you need two sodium ions (2 × +1 = +2) to balance the -2 charge of the sulfite ion.
3. The Empirical Formula:
Therefore, the empirical formula for sodium sulfite is Na₂SO₃.
