Question

Write the formula of each of the following: a. carbon tetrachloride b. carbon monoxide c. phosphorus trichloride d. dinitrogen tetroxide

Short answer

a. \( \text{CCl}_4 \), b. \( \text{CO} \), c. \( \text{PCl}_3 \), d. \( \text{N}_2\text{O}_4 \)

Step-by-step solution

Determine the Formula for Carbon Tetrachloride

Identify the elements and their quantities: Carbon (C) and Tetrachloride means four chlorine atoms (Cl). The formula is \( \text{CCl}_4 \).

Determine the Formula for Carbon Monoxide

Identify the elements and their quantities: Carbon (C) and Monoxide typically means one oxygen atom (O). The formula is \( \text{CO} \).

Determine the Formula for Phosphorus Trichloride

Identify the elements and their quantities: Phosphorus (P) and Trichloride means three chlorine atoms (Cl). The formula is \( \text{PCl}_3 \).

Determine the Formula for Dinitrogen Tetroxide

Identify the elements and their quantities: Dinitrogen means two nitrogen atoms (N) and Tetroxide means four oxygen atoms (O). The formula is \( \text{N}_2\text{O}_4 \).

Key concepts

carbon tetrachloride formula

Carbon tetrachloride is a compound formed by carbon and chlorine. It is crucial to understand the naming conventions in chemistry to identify the correct formula.
The prefix 'tetra-' signifies four, meaning there are four chlorine atoms attached to one carbon atom.
When writing the formula, start with the symbol for carbon (C), followed by chlorine (Cl) with the subscript 4, indicating four chlorine atoms.
Therefore, the chemical formula for carbon tetrachloride is: \[ \text{CCl}_4 \].
This compound is commonly used as a solvent in cleaning products and in fire extinguishers, although it is toxic and should be handled with care.

carbon monoxide formula

Carbon monoxide is a compound that consists of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom.
The prefix 'mono-' signifies one, indicating the presence of a single oxygen atom.
When writing the formula, simply combine the symbols for carbon (C) and oxygen (O).
The formula for carbon monoxide is: \[ \text{CO} \].
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels and can pose a severe health risk if inhaled in large amounts.

phosphorus trichloride formula

Phosphorus trichloride is a chemical compound made up of phosphorus and chlorine.
The term 'trichloride' indicates that there are three chlorine atoms connected to a single phosphorus atom.
To write the formula, use the symbol for phosphorus (P), followed by chlorine (Cl) with the subscript 3 to show there are three chlorine atoms.
The formula for phosphorus trichloride is: \[ \text{PCl}_3 \].
This compound is used in the manufacture of other chemicals, including pesticides, plasticizers, and flame retardants. It is also moisture-sensitive and can be hazardous upon contact with water.

dinitrogen tetroxide formula

Dinitrogen tetroxide is composed of nitrogen and oxygen.
The prefix 'di-' signifies two, meaning there are two nitrogen atoms. The prefix 'tetra-' signifies four, meaning there are four oxygen atoms.
For the formula, write the symbol for nitrogen (N) followed by the subscript 2, and the symbol for oxygen (O) with the subscript 4.
Thus, the formula for dinitrogen tetroxide is: \[ \text{N}_2\text{O}_4 \].
This compound is utilized as an oxidizing agent in rocket propellants. It is a powerful substance that can dissociate into nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which is highly toxic.