Problem 101 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Carbonic acid occurs in carbonated beverages. When allowed to react with lithium hydroxide it produces lithium carbonate. Lithium carbonate is used to treat depression and bipolar disorder. Write chemical formulas for carbonic acid, lithium hydroxide, and lithium carbonate.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The chemical formulas for the given substances are as follows: - Carbonic acid: \(H_2CO_3\) - Lithium hydroxide: \(LiOH\) - Lithium carbonate: \(Li_2CO_3\)

Step 1: Identify the elements in each substance

First, we need to know the elements present in each substance and their respective chemical symbols: - Carbonic acid: Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), and Hydrogen (H) - Lithium hydroxide: Lithium (Li) and Hydrogen (H) - Lithium carbonate: Lithium (Li), Carbon (C), and Oxygen (O)

Step 2: Write the chemical formula for carbonic acid

Carbonic acid is an oxyacid of carbon, meaning it has one or more oxygen atoms bonded to a central carbon atom and one or more acidic hydrogen atoms. In carbonic acid, the carbon atom is bonded to two oxygen atoms with a double bond and one oxygen atom with a single bond. The acidic hydrogen atom is attached to the single-bonded oxygen atom. The chemical formula for carbonic acid is H₂CO₃.

Step 3: Write the chemical formula for lithium hydroxide

Lithium hydroxide is a compound formed by lithium and hydroxide ions. The lithium ion carries a +1 charge (Li⁺), and the hydroxide ion carries a -1 charge (OH⁻). Since the charges are equal and opposite, one lithium ion and one hydroxide ion will give a neutral lithium hydroxide molecule. The chemical formula for lithium hydroxide is LiOH.

Step 4: Write the chemical formula for lithium carbonate

Lithium carbonate is a compound consisting of lithium and carbonate ions. Lithium ion carries a +1 charge (Li⁺) and the carbonate ion carries a -2 charge (CO₃²⁻). In order to form a neutral compound, we need two lithium ions to balance the charge of one carbonate ion. The chemical formula for lithium carbonate is Li₂CO₃.