Question

Many familiar substances have common, unsystematic names. For each of the following, give the correct systematic name: (a) saltpeter, ${\mathrm{KNO}}_3;$ (b) soda ash, ${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3;$ (c) lime, $\mathrm{CaO}$; (d) muriatic acid, $\mathrm{HCl}$; (e) Epsom salts, ${\mathrm{MgSO}}_4$; (f) milk of magnesia, $\mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{OH}{)}_2$.

Short answer

The systematic names for the given familiar substances are: (a) Potassium nitrate, (b) Sodium carbonate, (c) Calcium oxide, (d) Hydrochloric acid, (e) Magnesium sulfate, and (f) Magnesium hydroxide.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Saltpeter

The chemical formula of saltpeter is ${\mathrm{KNO}}_3$. The systematic name for this compound is Potassium nitrate.

(b) Soda ash

The chemical formula of soda ash is ${\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$. The systematic name for this compound is Sodium carbonate.

(c) Lime

The chemical formula of lime is $\mathrm{CaO}$. The systematic name for this compound is Calcium oxide.

(d) Muriatic acid

The chemical formula of muriatic acid is $\mathrm{HCl}$. The systematic name for this compound is Hydrochloric acid.

(e) Epsom salts

The chemical formula of Epsom salts is ${\mathrm{MgSO}}_4$. The systematic name for this compound is Magnesium sulfate.

(f) Milk of magnesia

The chemical formula of Milk of magnesia is $\mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{OH}{)}_2$. The systematic name for this compound is Magnesium hydroxide.