Problem 96 - Chemistry Matter and Change

Question

Write the formula for each molecule. $$\begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. silicon dioxide }} & {\text { c. chlorine trifluoride }} \\ {\text { b. bromous acid }} & {\text { d. hydrobromic acid }}\end{array}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

\( \text{a. SiO}_2 \), \( \text{b. HBrO}_2 \), \( \text{c. ClF}_3 \), \( \text{d. HBr} \)

Step 1: Analyze silicon dioxide

Silicon dioxide is composed of one silicon (Si) atom and two oxygen (O) atoms. In chemical formula notation, this is written as \( \text{SiO}_2 \).

Step 2: Analyze bromous acid

Bromous acid is an oxyacid of bromine with the chemical formula. Bromine typically forms bonds with oxygen and hydrogen in oxyacids. For bromous acid, the appropriate formula is \( \text{HBrO}_2 \).

Step 3: Analyze chlorine trifluoride

Chlorine trifluoride consists of one chlorine (Cl) atom bonded with three fluorine (F) atoms. Therefore, the chemical formula for chlorine trifluoride is \( \text{ClF}_3 \).

Step 4: Analyze hydrobromic acid

Hydrobromic acid is an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide which consists of hydrogen (H) and bromine (Br). This forms the chemical formula \( \text{HBr} \).

Key Concepts

Silicon Dioxide Formula

Silicon dioxide is a common compound that's found abundantly in nature, primarily as quartz. Its formula, \( \text{SiO}_2 \), is derived from its composition. This compound consists of one silicon atom and two oxygen atoms. It's often referred to as silica and is a crucial component of sand. Silicon dioxide is utilized in a multitude of applications due to its hardness and chemical inertness, making it indispensable in manufacturing glass, concrete, and optical fibers.
In chemistry, understanding the formula \( \text{SiO}_2 \) is critical for recognizing its role in both geology and industry. You can visualize its molecular structure as a symmetric and repetitive network that contributes to quartz's well-known properties, like its durability and thermal stability.

Bromous Acid Formula

Bromous acid has the chemical formula \( \text{HBrO}_2 \). This is because bromous acid consists of hydrogen, bromine, and oxygen atoms. It's a less commonly encountered oxyacid of bromine and forms when bromine bonds with hydrogen and oxygen. In terms of its molecular composition:

• It contains one hydrogen atom.
• One bromine atom is bonded centrally.
• Two oxygen atoms accompany the structure.

This arrangement highlights how bromine can exhibit different oxidation states in its acids, impacting its chemical behavior. Bromous acid is notable in understanding bromine's chemistry, especially in analyzing reactions involving bromine compounds in their aqueous solutions.

Chlorine Trifluoride Formula

Chlorine trifluoride is known for its strong reactivity and is used primarily in industrial applications, such as in the fluorination of uranium for nuclear fuel processing. The formula for chlorine trifluoride, \( \text{ClF}_3 \), reveals its structure:

• One chlorine atom is central.
• It is bonded to three fluorine atoms, arranged asymmetrically around it.

This molecule is an example of an interhalogen compound, where halogens bond to each other. Chlorine trifluoride's structure and reactivity make it extremely potent as a chemical etching agent or in propellant formulations. Its use requires careful handling due to its highly corrosive nature and ability to react vigorously with organic material.

Hydrobromic Acid Formula

Hydrobromic acid represents an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide with a simple formula: \( \text{HBr} \). This strong acid is similar to hydrochloric acid and is widely used in various chemical syntheses and industrial processes. Here's how the components stack up:

• One hydrogen atom combines with one bromine atom.
• They form a stable molecule used in solution.

The hydrobromic acid solution is important in organic chemistry for bromination reactions, where it adds bromine to substances. Its acidity and reactivity make it a powerful agent in various chemical transformations. Understanding \( \text{HBr} \) helps in grasping the compound's uses and safety concerns, given its corrosive properties in concentrated forms.