Chapter 8: Problem 5
Write the formula for each of the following acids and bases: a. magnesium hydroxide b. hydrofluoric acid c. phosphoric acid d. lithium hydroxide e. ammonium hydroxide f. sulfuric acid
Short Answer
Expert verified
a. Mg(OH)_2, b. HF, c. H_3PO_4, d. LiOH, e. NH_4OH, f. H_2SO_4
Step by step solution
01
- Understanding Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide is a base formed from magnesium ions (Mg^{2+}) and hydroxide ions (OH^{-}). The chemical formula is determined by balancing the charges: hydroxide has a charge of -1, so we need two hydroxide ions to balance the +2 charge of magnesium. The formula is Mg(OH)_2.
02
- Writing Hydrofluoric Acid Formula
Hydrofluoric acid is formed from hydrogen ions (H^{+}) and fluoride ions (F^{-}). Since the charges are equal and opposite, one hydrogen ion pairs with one fluoride ion. The formula is HF.
03
- Writing Phosphoric Acid Formula
Phosphoric acid contains three hydrogen ions (H^{+}) and one phosphate ion (PO_4^{3-}). The chemical formula is obtained by balancing the charges: three hydrogen ions are needed to balance the -3 charge of phosphate. The formula is H_3PO_4.
04
- Understanding Lithium Hydroxide
Lithium hydroxide is a base formed from lithium ions (Li^{+}) and hydroxide ions (OH^{-}). Since the charges are equal and opposite, one lithium ion pairs with one hydroxide ion. The formula is LiOH.
05
- Writing Ammonium Hydroxide Formula
Ammonium hydroxide is formed from ammonium ions (NH_4^{+}) and hydroxide ions (OH^{-}). Since the charges are equal and opposite, one ammonium ion pairs with one hydroxide ion. The formula is NH_4OH.
06
- Understanding Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric acid contains two hydrogen ions (H^{+}) and one sulfate ion (SO_4^{2-}). The chemical formula is derived by balancing the charges: two hydrogen ions balance the -2 charge of sulfate. The formula is H_2SO_4.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
chemical formulas
Understanding chemical formulas is fundamental in chemistry. A chemical formula represents the elements present in a compound and the ratio in which the atoms of these elements combine. For acids and bases:
- A chemical formula consists of the symbols of the elements involved.
- Subscripts indicate the number of each type of atom in the compound.
- No subscript means one atom of that element.
acid-base chemistry
Acid-base chemistry studies substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution.
- Acids typically release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. For instance, hydrofluoric acid (HF) releases H+ and F- in water.
- Bases typically release hydroxide ions when dissolved in water. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) releases Mg2+ and OH- ions.
ionic compounds
Ionic compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions).
In acid-base compounds:
In acid-base compounds:
- Acids often contain hydrogen ions (H+) paired with anions. For example, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) contains H+ ions and sulfate ions (SO42-).
- Bases often contain hydroxide ions (OH-) paired with cations. Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) contains Li+ ions and OH- ions.
charge balancing
Charge balancing is crucial when writing chemical formulas for acids and bases. The total positive charge must equal the total negative charge.
Here’s how to balance charges:
Here’s how to balance charges:
- Identify the charges of the ions. For example, the hydroxide ion (OH-) has a -1 charge, and the magnesium ion (Mg2+) has a +2 charge.
- Balance the charges by adjusting the number of ions. Magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, requires two OH- ions to balance one Mg2+ ion.
common acids and bases
Knowing the common acids and bases is essential in chemistry. Here are a few:
- Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a weak acid used in etching glass.
- Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is used in fertilizers and soft drinks.
- Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) is a base found in milk of magnesia, a common antacid.
- Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is used in lithium batteries and as a CO2 scrubber.
- Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) is utilized in household cleaners.
- Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong acid used in car batteries and industrial processes.