Question

Give one example each for a binary compound and a ternary compound. (A ternary compound is one that contains three different elements.)

Short answer

A binary compound is NaCl; a ternary compound is CaCO₃.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Compound Types

A binary compound consists of two different elements. Examples include compounds like NaCl (sodium chloride) and CO (carbon monoxide). A ternary compound, on the other hand, consists of three different elements.

Example of a Binary Compound

A clear example of a binary compound is sodium chloride (NaCl). This compound is composed of two elements: sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).

Example of a Ternary Compound

An example of a ternary compound is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). This compound includes three different elements: calcium (Ca), carbon (C), and oxygen (O).

Key concepts

Binary Compounds

Binary compounds are one of the most fundamental concepts in chemistry. They are composed of only two different elements. In these compounds, the elements combine to form a chemical bond, sharing or transferring electrons to achieve stability. This process typically results in a compound with distinct properties different from its individual elements.

Consider sodium chloride, for instance. It is a binary compound comprising sodium and chlorine. These elements come together through ionic bonding, forming solid crystals. In general, binary compounds can be classified into two main types:

• **Ionic Binary Compounds**: Typically formed between metals and non-metals.
• **Covalent Binary Compounds**: These are usually formed between two non-metal elements.

Understanding binary compounds is crucial for learning more complex chemical structures.

Ternary Compounds

Ternary compounds offer a step up in complexity from binary compounds. They consist of three different elements instead of two. This additional element can significantly affect the chemical and physical properties of the compound.

Calcium carbonate is a classic example of a ternary compound. It is made up of calcium, carbon, and oxygen. Ternary compounds often participate in important natural processes. For instance, calcium carbonate plays a vital role in geological formations like limestone, and in biological systems like seashells.

These compounds are also categorized based on the types of bonds and elements involved:

• **Oxoacid-based Compounds**: These include a metal, a non-metal, and oxygen.
• **Salts formed from oxoacids**: Where the additional element is typically oxygen coming from the acid anion.

Learning about ternary compounds enables a deeper understanding of how chemical diversity arises and operates in the world.

Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is a perfect example of a binary compound. It consists of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) and is one of the simplest chemical compounds you’ll encounter.

The bonding between sodium and chlorine is ionic. Sodium, a metal, donates an electron to chlorine, a non-metal, resulting in a stable ionic compound. The result of this electron transfer is a crystalline lattice structure, giving salt its characteristic shape and solid form.

• **Common uses of Sodium Chloride**:
• Essential for human health: It is crucial for nerve function and fluid balance.
• Widely used in food preservation:
• Applied in road de-icing.

Sodium chloride is easy to study and understand, making it a key compound in learning basic chemistry.

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate, represented as \( \text{CaCO}_3 \), is a ternary compound combining calcium, carbon, and oxygen. This compound plays a crucial role in nature, found in rocks, marine organisms, and even within the human body.

The versatility of calcium carbonate comes from its composition and the unique properties it embodies. It is an ionic compound often used in various industries, from construction to pharmaceuticals. Its presence is evident in limestone, marble, and chalk—making it a pivotal compound in earth sciences.

• **Common Applications**:
• Used as a dietary calcium supplement:
• Manufacturing of cement and lime:
• Popular antacid for neutralizing stomach acid.

Understanding calcium carbonate provides insight into its wide applications and importance, bridging the gap between chemistry and everyday life.