Question

What elements are in the following substances? a. table salt, \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) b. plaster casts, \(\overline{\mathrm{CaSO}_{4}}\) c. Demerol, \(\mathrm{C}_{15} \mathrm{H}_{22} \mathrm{CINO}_{2}\) d. antacid, \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\)

Short answer

a. Na, Cl; b. Ca, S, O; c. C, H, Cl, N, O; d. Ca, C, O

Step-by-step solution

Identify elements in table salt

The chemical formula for table salt is \(\text{NaCl}\). This formula contains two elements: sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).

Identify elements in plaster casts

The chemical formula for plaster casts is \(\text{CaSO}_4\). This formula contains three elements: calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O).

Identify elements in Demerol

The chemical formula for Demerol is \(\text{C}_{15}\text{H}_{22}\text{ClNO}_2\). This formula contains five elements: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), chlorine (Cl), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O).

Identify elements in antacid

The chemical formula for antacid is \(\text{CaCO}_3\). This formula contains three elements: calcium (Ca), carbon (C), and oxygen (O).

Key concepts

chemical formulas

Chemical formulas are shorthand representations of compounds. They show which elements are present in a compound and how many atoms of each element are included. For instance, in the formula for table salt \(\text{NaCl}\), we see there are one sodium (Na) and one chlorine (Cl) atom. These chemical symbols are a universally accepted method of denoting elements and their quantities in compounds. Understanding chemical formulas is fundamental for analyzing any chemical substance.

elements in compounds

Elements are the basic building blocks of matter, and they combine in specific ratios to form compounds. Each element in a compound contributes unique properties to the compound.
For example, in \(\text{CaSO}_4\) (plaster casts), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O) combine to create a material widely used in construction and medical settings. Knowing which elements are in a compound and how they bond can help understand the compound's properties and uses.

compound analysis

Analyzing compounds requires breaking down their chemical formulas to understand their composition. This process is critical in both academic settings and real-world applications.
Through compound analysis, we can determine things like the nutritional content of food, the effectiveness of medicines, and the safety of materials in various industries. In the example of Demerol, \(\text{C}_{15}\text{H}_{22}\text{ClNO}_2\), recognizing the presence of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), chlorine (Cl), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) gives insight into its pharmacological attributes.

basic chemistry

Basic chemistry involves understanding the fundamental concepts that govern how elements interact and combine to form compounds. This knowledge is crucial for fields like medicine, engineering, and environmental science.
For example, knowing antacid \(\text{CaCO}_3\) consists of calcium (Ca), carbon (C), and oxygen (O) helps in recognizing its neutralizing effects on stomach acid. Grasping these basic principles can help solve problems and make informed decisions in everyday life.