Question

Some compounds are better known by their common names than by their systematic chemical names. Give the chemical formulas of the following substances: (a) dry ice, \((b)\) salt, (c) laughing gas, (d) marble (chalk, limestone), (e) baking soda, (f) ammonia, (g) water, (h) milk of magnesia, (i) epsom salt.

Short answer

(a) CO2, (b) NaCl, (c) N2O, (d) CaCO3, (e) NaHCO3, (f) NH3, (g) H2O, (h) Mg(OH)2, (i) MgSO4.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Chemical Names and Formulas for Each Common Name

To solve this problem, we need to match each common name with its corresponding chemical formula.(a) **Dry Ice:** The common name for solid carbon dioxide is dry ice. Its chemical formula is \( \text{CO}_2 \).(b) **Salt:** Table salt is commonly known as sodium chloride. Its chemical formula is \( \text{NaCl} \).(c) **Laughing Gas:** Laughing gas is the common name for nitrous oxide. Its formula is \( \text{N}_2\text{O} \).(d) **Marble, Chalk, Limestone:** These are different forms of calcium carbonate, with the formula \( \text{CaCO}_3 \).(e) **Baking Soda:** This is the common name for sodium bicarbonate, with the formula \( \text{NaHCO}_3 \).(f) **Ammonia:** Ammonia is a compound with the formula \( \text{NH}_3 \).(g) **Water:** The formula for water is well-known as \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \).(h) **Milk of Magnesia:** This is a suspension of magnesium hydroxide, with the formula \( \text{Mg(OH)}_2 \).(i) **Epsom Salt:** Chemically known as magnesium sulfate, its formula is \( \text{MgSO}_4 \).

Key concepts

Common Names

Common names of chemical compounds are those names that people often use in everyday conversation. These names are usually much simpler and easier to remember than their systematic counterparts. For instance:

• "Salt" refers to sodium chloride.
• "Dry ice" is solid carbon dioxide, while "dry ice" is a more intuitive term describing its appearance and use.
• "Milk of magnesia" is actually magnesium hydroxide, known for its medicinal properties rather than its chemical structure.

Common names can often give a hint about the use or appearance of the compound, making them very useful in non-scientific contexts. They are widely used in households, industries, and sometimes even in educational settings, where students find them easier to relate to. However, when precision and clarity are needed, especially in scientific research and documentation, systematic chemical names become essential.

Systematic Chemical Names

Systematic chemical names, as opposed to common names, follow a set of standard rules and conventions devised by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). These names provide precise and clear information about the chemical composition and structure of a compound. For example:

• Sodium chloride is the systematic name for common table salt, represented by the formula \( \text{NaCl} \).
• Calcium carbonate, \( \text{CaCO}_3 \), includes compounds like marble, chalk, and limestone, emphasizing their shared chemical identity.
• Magnesium sulfate, \( \text{MgSO}_4 \), is known commonly as Epsom salt.

Systematic names may seem complex at first, but they ensure that scientists around the world can communicate accurately and effectively. By understanding systematic names, one can decipher the type of elements present and their quantities, helping in understanding the properties and reactions a chemical compound may undergo.

Chemical Compounds

Chemical compounds are substances formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. The properties of these compounds often differ significantly from the elements that make them up. Some well-known compounds and their formulas include:

• Water (\( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)), essential for life, results from the combination of hydrogen and oxygen.
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, \( \text{NaHCO}_3 \)) is widely used in cooking and household cleaning.
• Ammonia (\( \text{NH}_3 \)) is a key compound in fertilizers.

Compounds are categorized based on the bonds that hold their atoms together, such as ionic or covalent bonds. The diversity of chemical compounds defines much of the material world, from the air we breathe to the foods we eat, playing critical roles in various biological, chemical, industrial, and environmental processes.

Chemistry Education

Chemistry education involves learning and understanding the various concepts, theories, and practical applications of chemistry. A fundamental aspect is comprehending the naming and formulas of chemical compounds. Students explore both common and systematic names to ensure a well-rounded understanding. Educational techniques often include:

• Laboratory experiments, which provide hands-on experience with chemical reactions and compounds.
• Visual aids, such as molecular models, which help visualize atomic arrangements and bonding.
• Exercises that connect common names to systematic names, aiding in memorization and understanding.

The goal is not only to familiarize students with formulas and names but also to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By understanding how elements combine to form compounds, students can better grasp the implications of chemistry in everyday life, industry, and the environment. Effective chemistry education opens doors to diverse scientific fields and innovations.