Question

What elements are in the following substances? a. water, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) b. baking soda, \(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3}\) c. lye, \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) d. sugar, \(\mathrm{C}_{12} \mathrm{H}_{22} \mathrm{O}_{11}\)

Short answer

Water: H, O. Baking soda: Na, H, C, O. Lye: Na, O, H. Sugar: C, H, O.

Step-by-step solution

Identify elements in water (\text{H}_{2} \text{O})

Water is composed of hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O).

Identify elements in baking soda (\text{NaHCO}_{3})

Baking soda consists of sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O).

Identify elements in lye (\text{NaOH})

Lye is made of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H).

Identify elements in sugar (\text{C}_{12} \text{H}_{22} \text{O}_{11})

Sugar consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).

Key concepts

chemical compounds

Chemical compounds are substances formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements. These elements are bonded together in fixed proportions and exhibit unique properties distinct from their individual components.
Each compound has its specific chemical formula which represents the types and numbers of atoms present. For example, water has the chemical formula \(\text{H}_{2} \text{O}\), indicating it contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Compounds can be classified into different types, such as molecular compounds, ionic compounds, and metallic compounds, based on the nature of the bonding and the elements involved.
Understanding the composition and structure of chemical compounds is crucial for studying their properties, reactions, and applications in various fields, including biology, medicine, and industry.

elemental composition

Elemental composition refers to the types and ratios of elements present in a chemical compound.
Recognizing the elements in a compound is vital for understanding its properties and behavior in different chemical reactions. Each element in the periodic table has a unique symbol, often derived from its Latin name. For instance, hydrogen is denoted as \(\text{H}\), oxygen as \(\text{O}\), sodium as \(\text{Na}\), carbon as \(\text{C}\), and so on.
Let's revisit our examples:

• Water (\(\text{H}_{2} \text{O}\)): composed of hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O).
• Baking soda (\(\text{NaHCO}_{3}\)): consists of sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O).
• Lye (\(\text{NaOH}\)): made up of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H).
• Sugar (\(\text{C}_{12} \text{H}_{22} \text{O}_{11}\)): contains carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).

By decoding these formulas, you can determine the proportions and nature of the elements within the compound.

basic chemistry

Basic chemistry involves understanding fundamental concepts such as atoms, molecules, and their interactions.
An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains all of its chemical properties. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

• Protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral) are found in the nucleus.
• Electrons (negatively charged) orbit the nucleus in electron shells.

Molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together chemically. For instance, two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom form a water molecule (\(\text{H}_{2} \text{O}\)).
Chemical bonds are the forces holding atoms together in molecules. These bonds can be ionic, covalent, or metallic, depending on how electrons are shared or transferred between atoms.
Grasping these basic principles is essential for delving deeper into more complex topics in chemistry, such as chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and material science.