Question

Evaluate each of the following as an acceptable name for water: a. dihydrogen oxide c. hydrogen hydroxide b. hydroxide hydride d. oxygen dihydride

Short answer

The acceptable names for water from the given list are: a. dihydrogen oxide (H2O) c. hydrogen hydroxide (H(OH) or H2O)

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate dihydrogen oxide

Dihydrogen refers to two hydrogen atoms, and oxide refers to one oxygen atom, so the formula for dihydrogen oxide would be H2O. This name is acceptable for water, as it properly describes its chemical composition.

Evaluate hydrogen hydroxide

Hydrogen refers to one hydrogen atom, and hydroxide is a combination of one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom (OH). Thus, the formula for hydrogen hydroxide is H(OH), which is also equivalent to H2O. This name is also acceptable for water.

Evaluate hydroxide hydride

Hydroxide refers to a combination of one hydrogen atom and one oxygen atom (OH), while hydride typically represents a compound formed by the bonding of hydrogen with a more electropositive element. In this case, hydroxide hydride does not accurately represent the composition of water. Therefore, this name is not acceptable.

Evaluate oxygen dihydride

Oxygen refers to one oxygen atom, and dihydride implies two hydrogen atoms bound to a more electronegative element. Combining these two, the formula for oxygen dihydride would be OH2. While the overall composition is the same, the chemical structure implied by this name is not accurate for water, so this name is not acceptable. In conclusion, the acceptable names for water from the given list are: a. dihydrogen oxide c. hydrogen hydroxide

Key concepts

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas are essential in understanding the composition and structure of compounds. They provide a concise way to express the elements present in a compound and the ratio of these elements. For example, the chemical formula for water is ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$, indicating two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
Understanding chemical formulas allows us to decode names such as "dihydrogen oxide" or "hydrogen hydroxide." In these names, prefixes give us clues about the number of atoms. For instance, "di-" in "dihydrogen" denotes two hydrogen atoms. "Oxide" refers to oxygen, making the formula for dihydrogen oxide ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$.
"Hydrogen hydroxide" is another term for water. "Hydroxide" (${\text{OH}}^{-}$) is not the typical form for water but is still correct because when bonded with an additional hydrogen, it forms ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$. Chemical formulas thus help in understanding the acceptable nomenclature for compounds.

Water Chemistry

Water is a simple yet essential chemical compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Its chemical formula ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ highlights its composition and aids in understanding its properties.
The bonds in water, called covalent bonds, involve sharing electrons between atoms—specifically, hydrogen and oxygen. This bonding gives water unique properties, such as being a solvent for many substances, having a high specific heat, and existing in different states (solid, liquid, gas) on Earth.
Water chemistry explores how water interacts with other substances and its role in various chemical reactions. For example, it can dissociate into ${\text{H}}^{+}$ and ${\text{OH}}^{-}$ ions, which are fundamental in acid-base chemistry. Water's versatility makes it crucial in biological and chemical processes.

Descriptive Chemistry

Descriptive chemistry focuses on the properties, composition, and reactivity of chemical substances. It involves the use of names and formulas to describe compounds and their interactions.
Names like "dihydrogen oxide" and "hydrogen hydroxide" are examples of descriptive chemistry applied to water. They reflect the importance of understanding both the composition and the systematic naming conventions in chemistry. Descriptive chemistry helps us predict how compounds might behave in different environments.
Through descriptive chemistry, we learn the importance of accurate names. For instance, "hydroxide hydride" isn't a valid name for water as it does not correctly describe its composition or behavior. Accurate descriptions help in identifying compounds quickly, predicting their reactions, and understanding their applications.

IUPAC Naming

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) naming provides systematic rules for naming chemical compounds, ensuring uniformity and clarity worldwide.
In IUPAC nomenclature, names are derived based on the structure and composition of the compound. For example, "dihydrogen oxide" and "hydrogen hydroxide" are both acceptable names for water under these rules because they accurately reflect its chemical makeup (${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$).
Adopting IUPAC naming helps avoid confusion, ensuring that scientists globally can understand and communicate chemical information effectively. For instance, "oxygen dihydride" might seem correct due to its composition but fails under IUPAC norms because it does not clearly describe the element order or bonding in water.