Is there a method to figure out charges for polyatomic ions from their name alone or is it just?

Question

...  memorizing particular ions. Example PO3(3-) phosphite vs. PO4(3-) phosphate. If I remember the number of oxygens for each but not the charge is there a method to figure it out from the ion itself or is it all memorization?

Answer

The system is called IUPAC and you need to memorize the portions that you work with all the time, and know where to look up the rest. There is some confusion from several layers of traditional names, such as glycerine and glycerol being the same substance.

Is there a method to figure out charges for polyatomic ions from their name alone or is it just?

Answers (1)