Problem 613 - 1,001 GED Practice Questions For Dummies

Question

Which is the name of the compound whose formula is \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\) ? (A) hydrogen peroxide (B) water (C) oxygen dihydride (D) glucose

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (B) water. The chemical formula of water (\(\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}\)) matches the given formula in the exercise.

Step 1: Analyzing the Chemical Formula

First, we need to analyze the given chemical formula, which is \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\). This formula represents a molecule composed of two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom.

Step 2: Compare With the Given Options

Now, let's compare the chemical formula with the given options: (A) hydrogen peroxide: The chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide is \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2\). This does not match the given formula, which is \(\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}\). (B) water: The chemical formula for water is \(\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}\). This matches the given formula. (C) oxygen dihydride: While this name represents two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, it is not the commonly used name for this compound. Additionally, this name lacks IUPAC guidelines for naming chemical compounds. (D) glucose: The chemical formula for glucose is \(\mathrm{C}_6\mathrm{H}_{12}\mathrm{O}_6\). This does not match the given formula.

Step 3: Select the Correct Answer

Based on our comparison, we find that option (B) water is the correct answer. The chemical formula of water - \(\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}\) - matches the given formula in the exercise.

Key Concepts

Compound Naming

Naming chemical compounds involves correlating a chemical formula with its respective name. This helps us understand and communicate the composition and type of chemical substance. For instance, with a formula like \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \), we identify the number and types of atoms within the molecule. We know it contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The naming follows conventions where common names are widely accepted and used.

• Common Name: "Water" is the universally accepted name for the compound \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \).
• Systematic Name: While "oxygen dihydride" can be technically correct, it is not used in common practice.
• Importance of IUPAC Naming: The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) provides systematic naming conventions to avoid confusion in scientific communication.

This ensures consistency and clarity across languages and disciplines.

Chemical Compounds

Chemical compounds are substances formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. The atoms in these compounds are held together by chemical bonds that determine their stability and structure. For example, water is a compound made from hydrogen and oxygen combined in a specific ratio.

Characteristics of Chemical Compounds include:

• Fixed Proportions: Compounds have a definite ratio according to their chemical formulas such as the 2:1 ratio in \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \).
• Distinct Properties: A compound has different properties from the individual elements that compose it.
• Chemical Bonding: These involve ionic, covalent, or metallic bonds which give compounds significant physical and chemical properties.

Understanding the nature of compounds helps in recognizing how elements interact to form a variety of substances.

Molecular Composition

Molecular composition refers to the actual number and type of atoms in a molecule. The chemical formula \( \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \) tells us that a water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. This simple formula provides crucial information about the molecular structure and the compound's characteristics.

• Elemental Composition: It indicates which elements are present in a molecule and in what quantities.
• Stoichiometry: This aspect involves calculations based on the chemical formula that affect reaction ratios and outcomes.
• Molecular Mass: By summing up the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule, we obtain its molecular mass, which is essential for understanding physical properties and behaviors.

Grasping the molecular composition of a compound is fundamental to exploring its chemical behavior, reactivity, and applications in various fields.