Question

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

Short answer

Three out of the four proposed names can be considered acceptable names for water, although some are less common. These include: a. dihydrogen oxide c. hydrogen hydroxide d. oxygen dihydride

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Option a: dihydrogen oxide

This name refers to a compound with two hydrogen atoms (dihydrogen) and one oxygen atom (oxide). Accurately represents the structure of water, which has a molecular formula of H₂O.

Evaluate Option b: hydroxide hydride

Hydroxide refers to the OH⁻ ion, while hydride refers to the H⁻ ion. As two negatively charged ions OH⁻ and H⁻ do not form a stable neutral molecule, this name does not accurately represent water.

Evaluate Option c: hydrogen hydroxide

Hydrogen hydroxide suggests a proton (H⁺) bonded to a hydroxide ion (OH⁻). Although combined, they would form one H₂O molecule, water molecules are not typically formed or named this way. Nevertheless, it could be considered a less common name for water.

Evaluate Option d: oxygen dihydride

Oxygen dihydride suggests one oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms, which matches the molecular formula of H₂O. #Conclusion# Three out of the four proposed names can be considered an acceptable name for water, albeit some less common. These include: a. dihydrogen oxide c. hydrogen hydroxide d. oxygen dihydride

Key concepts

Chemical Naming Conventions

Understanding chemical naming conventions is essential for students of chemistry. These conventions are the standardized way of naming chemical compounds that help eliminate confusion and allow scientists to communicate clearly about specific substances.

In chemistry, we follow the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature to systematically name compounds. The guidelines help identify the quantity and type of atoms present in a molecule. For instance, the prefix 'di-' indicates the presence of two atoms, as reflected in 'dihydrogen', meaning two hydrogen atoms.

When analyzing the proposed names for water, the name 'dihydrogen oxide', adheres to these conventions by highlighting that there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen in water (H₂O). Similarly, 'oxygen dihydride' is constructed by acknowledging the central element, oxygen, followed by 'dihydride', signifying two hydrogens. Although 'hydrogen hydroxide' is less conventional, it does describe a composition that could theoretically result in water.

Molecular Formula

A molecular formula is a concise way of expressing information about the atoms that constitute a particular chemical compound. It uses atomic symbols from the periodic table and numerical subscripts to convey the proportions of each type of atom within the molecule.

The molecular formula serves as an essential tool for chemists to assume the compound's composition without needing to see the actual molecular structure. For example, water's molecular formula is H₂O, which indicates that two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom are chemically bonded to form a molecule of water. This formula is crucial when evaluating the accuracy of a compound’s name.

While evaluating names for water, we refer back to its molecular formula to determine the validity of each name. Both 'dihydrogen oxide' and 'oxygen dihydride' match the composition H₂O, indicating the right chemical naming based on the molecular formula.

Water Molecule Composition

Water, with the molecular formula H₂O, consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. The specific arrangement of these atoms gives water its unique properties, vital for life on Earth.

The composition of water can be understood through its molecular structure, which forms a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom. This results in a polar molecule, where there is an uneven distribution of charge and the molecule has positive and negative poles.

In the context of naming, 'dihydrogen oxide' correctly implies this composition, with 'di-' indicating two hydrogens and 'oxide' signifying the presence of oxygen. The name captures the essence of water’s molecular structure and is therefore an acceptable chemical name, helping students grasp not just the formula but the underlying reasons why certain naming conventions make sense for a compound as fundamental as water.