Problem 110 - Chemistry: The Central Science in SI Units, Global Edition

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 compounds are as follows: Carbonic acid (H2CO3), Lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3).

Step 1: Carbonic acid chemical formula

Carbonic acid is formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. Its chemical formula is H2CO3, which can be derived as follows: H2O + CO2 -> H2CO3. This formula shows that it is composed of two hydrogen atoms (H), one carbon atom (C), and three oxygen atoms (O).

Step 2: Lithium hydroxide chemical formula

Lithium hydroxide is an alkali metal hydroxide and is composed of lithium (Li) and hydroxide (OH) ions. Its chemical formula is LiOH, showcasing one lithium atom (Li) and one hydroxide ion (OH) in the compound.

Step 3: Lithium carbonate chemical formula

Lithium carbonate is an inorganic compound and an essential compound in the treatment of bipolar disorder and depression. It is made up of lithium (Li) and carbonate (CO3) ions. The chemical formula for lithium carbonate is Li2CO3, which indicates two lithium atoms (Li) and one carbonate ion (CO3) in the compound.

Key Concepts

Carbonic Acid

Carbonic acid is a weak acid found commonly in carbonated beverages. When you open a soda can, the fizz you notice is a result of carbonic acid breaking down into carbon dioxide and water. This acid forms when carbon dioxide (CO2) is dissolved in water (H2O). The reaction is as follows:

• CO2 + H2O \rightarrow H2CO3

This results in carbonic acid with the chemical formula \( \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \). It contains two hydrogen atoms, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms.
Carbonic acid plays a significant role in respiratory gas transport, often balancing the pH in blood. Understanding its formula can help you grasp how subtle changes in chemistry affect our daily lives.

Lithium Hydroxide

Lithium hydroxide is an alkali metal hydroxide with significant uses, particularly in chemistry and industry. It is composed of lithium (Li) and the hydroxide ion (OH). You can see its simple structure in its chemical formula:

• LiOH

This formula represents one lithium atom bond with one hydroxide ion.
Lithium hydroxide is essential for absorbing carbon dioxide in closed environments, like submarines and spacecraft. Its role in maintaining breathable air is critical for safe human missions in confined spaces. Its ability to neutralize acidic compounds further exemplifies its importance.

Lithium Carbonate

Lithium carbonate is an inorganic compound widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits.
Used mainly in the treatment of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression, this compound consists of lithium ions and carbonate ions. The chemical formula for lithium carbonate is:

• Li2CO3

This showcases two lithium atoms alongside one carbonate ion (CO3), emphasizing the combination of these components.
In medicine, lithium carbonate helps stabilize mood and reduce risks of mania. Its role in psychology and psychiatry highlights the influential crossover between chemistry and mental health.
Moreover, lithium carbonate's chemical structure also finds applications in the ceramics industry, where it enhances the strength and durability of glazes. Understanding its formula helps in appreciating its versatility across multiple fields.