Problem 34 - Chemistry The Central Science

Question

Write the chemical formula for each of the following compounds, and indicate the oxidation state of the halogen or noble-gas atom in each: (a) chlorate ion, (b) hydroiodic acid, (c) iodine trichloride, (d) sodium hypochlorite, (e) perchloric acid, (f) xenon tetrafluoride.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The chemical formulas and oxidation states for the given compounds are: (a) Chlorate ion: \(ClO_3^{-}\) (oxidation state of Cl: +5) (b) Hydroiodic acid: \(HI\) (oxidation state of I: -1) (c) Iodine trichloride: \(ICl_3\) (oxidation state of I: +3) (d) Sodium hypochlorite: \(NaClO\) (oxidation state of Cl: +1) (e) Perchloric acid: \(HClO_4\) (oxidation state of Cl: +7) (f) Xenon tetrafluoride: \(XeF_4\) (oxidation state of Xe: +4)

Step 1: (a) Chlorate ion

Chlorate ion is composed of chlorine and oxygen. The element symbols are Cl and O, respectively. The chlorate ion has a charge of -1, and the oxidation state of chlorine in this ion is +5. Therefore, the chemical formula for the chlorate ion is \(ClO_3^{-}\).

Step 2: (b) Hydroiodic acid

Hydroiodic acid is made of hydrogen and iodine. The element symbols are H and I, respectively. Hydrogen has a charge of +1, while the oxidation state of iodine in this compound is -1. The chemical formula for hydroiodic acid is \(HI\).

Step 3: (c) Iodine trichloride

Iodine trichloride is a compound consisting of iodine and chlorine. The element symbols are I and Cl, respectively. The oxidation state of iodine is +3, while that of each chlorine atom is -1. To balance the charges, there should be three chlorine atoms for each iodine atom. Therefore, the chemical formula for iodine trichloride is \(ICl_3\).

Step 4: (d) Sodium hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is a compound made up of sodium, oxygen, and chlorine. The element symbols are Na, O, and Cl, respectively. Sodium has a charge of +1, and the oxidation state of chlorine in this compound is +1. Therefore, the chemical formula for sodium hypochlorite is \(NaClO\).

Step 5: (e) Perchloric acid

Perchloric acid is formed by hydrogen and the perchlorate ion. The element symbols are H and Cl for hydrogen and chlorine, respectively, with oxygen being present as well. The oxidation state of chlorine in the perchlorate ion is +7. Hydrogen takes a charge of +1 in the compound. Hence, the chemical formula for perchloric acid is \(HClO_4\).

Step 6: (f) Xenon tetrafluoride

Xenon tetrafluoride is a noble-gas compound made of xenon and fluorine. The element symbols are Xe and F, respectively. The oxidation state of xenon in this compound is +4, and that of each fluorine atom is -1. To balance the charges, there should be four fluorine atoms for each xenon atom. Therefore, the chemical formula for xenon tetrafluoride is \(XeF_4\).