Question

Name each of the following: a. ${\mathrm{PBr}}_3$ b. ${\mathrm{CBr}}_4$ c. ${\mathrm{SiO}}_2$ d. $\mathrm{HF}$ e. ${\mathrm{NI}}_3$

Short answer

a. Phosphorus tribromide, b. Carbon tetrabromide, c. Silicon dioxide, d. Hydrogen fluoride, e. Nitrogen triiodide.

Step-by-step solution

- Naming Binary Compounds

To name binary molecular compounds, we use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms. The first element keeps its name, and the second element's name is modified to end in -ide.

- Name ${\mathrm{PBr}}_3$

Identify the prefixes and elements. $\mathrm{P}$ stands for phosphorus and $\mathrm{Br}$ stands for bromine. Since there are three bromine atoms, the name is phosphorus tribromide.

- Name ${\mathrm{CBr}}_4$

Identify the prefixes and elements. $\mathrm{C}$ stands for carbon and $\mathrm{Br}$ stands for bromine. Since there are four bromine atoms, the name is carbon tetrabromide.

- Name ${\mathrm{SiO}}_2$

Identify the prefixes and elements. $\mathrm{Si}$ stands for silicon and $\mathrm{O}$ stands for oxygen. Since there are two oxygen atoms, the name is silicon dioxide.

- Name $\mathrm{HF}$

Identify the elements. $\mathrm{H}$ stands for hydrogen and $\mathrm{F}$ stands for fluorine. The compound is named hydrogen fluoride.

- Name ${\mathrm{NI}}_3$

Identify the prefixes and elements. $\mathrm{N}$ stands for nitrogen and $\mathrm{I}$ stands for iodine. Since there are three iodine atoms, the name is nitrogen triiodide.

Key concepts

chemical nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is a system used by chemists to name different compounds. This system is essential for accurately identifying and communicating about specific substances. Understanding the names of compounds helps predict their properties and understand their compositions.

In binary molecular compounds, we follow specific rules to ensure consistency in naming. For example, each compound's name provides information about its elements and the number of each element. Using chemical nomenclature correctly is crucial, especially for those studying science or working in related fields.

binary compounds

Binary compounds consist of two different elements. These compounds can be either ionic or molecular, but our focus here is on binary molecular compounds. Learning to name binary molecular compounds involves recognizing the number and type of each atom in the compound.

To identify binary compounds, remember these key points:

• They contain exactly two different elements.
• It's important to know the chemical symbols for those elements.
• The first element in the name is typically the one that is less electronegative.

By understanding these basics, naming compounds like $\text{ring}{PBr}_3$ and $\text{ring}{SiO}_2$ becomes straightforward.

prefixes in chemistry

Prefixes in chemistry help indicate the number of atoms present in a compound. This way, chemists can determine the exact composition of a compound. Here are some common prefixes:

• Mono- (1)
• Di- (2)
• Tri- (3)
• Tetra- (4)
• Penta- (5)

The use of prefixes prevents confusion when dealing with similar compounds. For instance, $\text{ring}{CO}_2$ is carbon dioxide, while $\text{ring}{CCl}_4$ is carbon tetrachloride. In binary molecular compounds, these prefixes are typically added to the names of the elements to indicate the exact number of atoms.