Problem 36 - Chemistry Matter and Change

Question

State the molecular formula for each compound listed below. $$\begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. dinitrogen trioxide }} & {\text { d. chloric acid }} \\ {\text { b. nitrogen monoxide }} & {\text { e. sulfuric acid }} \\\ {\text { c. hydrochloric acid }} & {\text { f. sulfurous acid }}\end{array}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a) \( N_2O_3 \), b) \( NO \), c) \( HCl \), d) \( HClO_3 \), e) \( H_2SO_4 \), f) \( H_2SO_3 \).

Step 1: Understand Dinitrogen Trioxide

Dinitrogen trioxide is a compound composed of two nitrogen (N) atoms and three oxygen (O) atoms. In a molecular formula, nitrogen comes first followed by oxygen. Hence, the molecular formula is \( N_2O_3 \).

Step 2: Determine Nitrogen Monoxide Formula

Nitrogen monoxide consists of one nitrogen (N) atom and one oxygen (O) atom. Therefore, the molecular formula for nitrogen monoxide is \( NO \).

Step 3: Identify Hydrochloric Acid Formula

Hydrochloric acid is composed of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl). The molecular formula, which reflects one hydrogen and one chlorine atom, is \( HCl \).

Step 4: Understand Chloric Acid Composition

Chloric acid has the formula of chlorine (Cl) combined with three oxygen (O) atoms and one hydrogen (H). Thus, its molecular formula is \( HClO_3 \).

Step 5: Recognize Sulfuric Acid Formula

Sulfuric acid is characterized by two hydrogen (H) atoms, one sulfur (S) atom, and four oxygen (O) atoms. Therefore, the molecular formula is \( H_2SO_4 \).

Step 6: Determine Sulfurous Acid Formula

Sulfurous acid consists of two hydrogen (H) atoms, one sulfur (S) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. Thus, the molecular formula is \( H_2SO_3 \).

Key Concepts

Dinitrogen Trioxide

Dinitrogen trioxide is an intriguing compound that can teach us a lot about molecular formulas. It consists of two nitrogen atoms and three oxygen atoms. The word 'di' indicates two nitrogen atoms, while 'trioxide' tells us there are three oxygen atoms.
In molecular formulas, nitrogen is typically written before oxygen, which helps us organize elements logically. Therefore, the molecular formula for dinitrogen trioxide is \( N_2O_3 \).

• 'Di-' prefix: two nitrogens
• 'Tri-' prefix: three oxygens

Understanding how these prefixes work can be useful for many other chemical compounds.

Nitrogen Monoxide

Nitrogen monoxide is a simple compound with an easy-to-understand molecular formula. It contains one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. The word 'mono' signifies a single oxygen atom.
The molecular formula is therefore straightforward: \( NO \). It emphasizes the simplicity in writing formulas for compounds with just two atoms.

Remember:

• 'Mono-' means one
• No prefix for single nitrogen; it is implied

Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid commonly found in our stomachs. It contains hydrogen and chlorine atoms. As its name suggests, 'hydro-' refers to hydrogen, and there's no need for prefixes since there is only one of each atom.
That gives us the simple molecular formula: \( HCl \).

Hydrochloric acid is used for:

• Digestion in the stomach
• Industrial cleaning and pickling of metal

Chloric Acid

Chloric acid contains chlorine bonded to three oxygen atoms, in addition to one hydrogen atom. Unlike hydrochloric acid, it has more oxygen atoms, which influences its reactivity and properties.
The molecular formula for chloric acid is \( HClO_3 \). The inclusion of 'chloric' helps us know there's more complexity involving chlorine and oxygen in the compound.

Key points about chloric acid:

• Contains one chlorine atom
• Three oxygens (the 'ic' ending often indicates oxygen presence)
• Utilized occasionally in chemistry labs

Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is a well-known industrial chemical, used in various processes. It's composed of two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms, forming a powerful acid.
Its molecular formula is \( H_2SO_4 \). This formula helps in recognizing how each atom contributes to its overall reactivity.

Features of sulfuric acid:

• Two hydrogens
• One sulfur and four oxygens
• Widely used in fertilizers, batteries, and more

Sulfurous Acid

Much like sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid contains sulfur, but with a different composition: two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and three oxygen atoms.
This gives it the molecular formula \( H_2SO_3 \).

Brief insights into sulfurous acid:

• Less oxygen than sulfuric acid
• Known for its role in reducing agents and preservatives
• Its 'ous' suffix indicates fewer oxygens compared to the 'ic' suffix