Question

How many atoms are specified by each of these prefixes: mono, di, tri tetra, penta, hexa?

Short answer

The prefixes specify the following number of atoms: mono-1, di-2, tri-3, tetra-4, penta-5, hexa-6.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Prefixes

The prefixes are part of a naming system that indicates the number of atoms in a molecule. Each prefix corresponds to a specific number which is widely used in chemistry, particularly in the nomenclature of inorganic compounds. It is important to know these basic prefixes as they are commonly used.

Mono

The prefix 'mono' is used to specify one atom of a particular element in a chemical compound.

Di

The prefix 'di' signifies the presence of two atoms of a particular element.

Tri

The prefix 'tri' refers to three atoms of a particular element in the compound.

Tetra

The prefix 'tetra' indicates that there are four atoms of the specific element present.

Penta

The prefix 'penta' means that there are five atoms of the element in the compound.

Hexa

Lastly, 'hexa' corresponds to six atoms of the concerned element.

Key concepts

Chemistry Prefixes

Grasping the concept of chemistry prefixes is like learning the alphabet of chemical language. These prefixes are an essential component of the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) naming system for inorganic compounds.

For example, consider water (H₂O). Its correct chemical name is dihydrogen monoxide—'di' indicating two hydrogen atoms and 'mono' indicating a single oxygen atom. Familiarity with such prefixes enables you to understand any molecular composition at a glance. Here’s a quick guide to some of the basic ones:

• Mono- means one.
• Di- means two.
• Tri- means three.
• Tetra- means four.
• Penta- means five.
• Hexa- means six.

In molecular nomenclature, these prefixes precede the element they are quantifying and provide a clear representation of a substance's composition.

Molecular Composition

Delving into the composition of a molecule unveils the arrangement of atoms and the type and number of chemical bonds between them. This is where chemistry prefixes come to play! Understanding the structure requires knowing both the qualitative (what is present) and quantitative (how much is present) aspects.

Take carbon dioxide (CO₂) as an example. From its molecular formula, we decipher that one carbon (C) atom is joined with two (di) oxygen (O) atoms. By using prefixes, chemists avoid ambiguity in the chemical makeup of compounds. Molecular composition also reveals the physical and chemical properties of a molecule, including the molar mass, which is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in the molecule.

Inorganic Compounds

Inorganic compounds form an immense category of substances that include both naturally occurring minerals and synthetically produced materials. Unlike organic compounds, which are generally made up of carbon and hydrogen, inorganic compounds can be composed of a wide range of elements.

They are typically characterized by ionic or covalent bonds and are named using a system that often employs the aforementioned chemistry prefixes. Here are a few examples:

Naming Hydrates

• Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate: The 'penta-' implies that there are five water molecules for each unit of copper(II) sulfate.

Naming Oxyanions

• Nitrate is NO₃^-, while nitrite is NO₂^-. The difference in the number of oxygen atoms is reflected in the different endings.

Understanding nomenclature of inorganic compounds not only helps in accurately describing chemicals but also aids in discerning their potential reactions and applications.