[MIA6]

I have a question about naming a compound.
Cu2O, so do I call it Copper Oxide? 

Thanks.

[haber101]

this is typically called cuprous oxide although copper oxide works too, yes

[MIA6]

thanks. but btw, for naming compounds, when do I put the ending "ium"? is that only for polyatomic ions? but for what kind of polyatomic ions?

[Borek]

although copper oxide works too, yes

It doesn't work. You have to mention copper oxidation state, otherwise the name is ambiguous.

Copper (I) oxide.

[JGK]

These are the common names for copper ions and iron ions.

Cuprous, also called copper (I) is a Cu+ ion (single positive charge; it has lost one electron).

Cupric, also called copper (II) is Cu++

Ferrous, also called iron (II) is Fe++

Ferric, also called iron (III) is Fe+++

[MIA6]

OOH, just one thing, my teacher told me the ending with "ite" is the element with oxygen (polyatomic), so is Cu2O supposed to be copper Oxite?

[Astrokel]

No, O^2- is not a polyatomic anion as it contains a single atom of the same element. Polyatomic anion is like PO₄^3-, PO₃^3-, SO₄^2-. I don't think it is necessary to end with 'ite' because PO₄^3- is phosphate while PO₃^3- is phosphite

[Areeba Hassan]

I have a question about naming a compound.
Cu2O, so do I call it Copper Oxide? 

Thanks.

The answer is Cuprous Oxide
Areeba