Write down the formula: 

• Note the chemical symbols and the number of atoms for each element. Identify elements:

• Look at the periodic table to identify each element by its symbol.

• Determine the type of compound: Is it ionic or covalent? This helps in naming conventions. 

• Ionic compounds usually consist of metals and nonmetals.

• Covalent (molecular) compounds typically involve nonmetals.

Ionic Compounds:

• Name the metal (cation) first. Name the nonmetal (anion) with the suffix "-ide." Ex. NaCl =  Sodium Chloride. 

• For transition metals, indicate the oxidation state with Roman numerals. Ex. FeCl = Iron (II) Chloride

• For Polyatomic ions copy the name of both metal and the name of the polyatomic ions. Ex. NaNO3 = Sodium Nitrate