Question

Carbonic acid occurs in carbonated beverages. When allowed to react with lithium hydroxide, it produces lithium carbonate. Lithium carbonate is used to treat depression and bipolar disorder. Write chemical formulas for carbonic acid, lithium hydroxide, and lithium carbonate.

Short answer

The chemical formulas for the given compounds are: Carbonic acid: \(H_2CO_3\) Lithium hydroxide: \(LiOH\) Lithium carbonate: \(Li_2CO_3\)

Step-by-step solution

Identify element symbols and charges

First, we need to identify the symbols and charges of each element involved. Carbonic acid consists of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, which have the respective symbols H, C, and O. Lithium hydroxide consists of lithium and hydroxide (which itself consists of oxygen and hydrogen), having the symbols Li, O, and H. Lastly, lithium carbonate is made up of lithium, carbon, and oxygen, so the symbols are Li, C, and O.

Determine oxidation states

Now, we need to determine the oxidation states, or charges, of each element. Hydrogen typically has a charge of +1, carbon in carbonate has a charge of +4, oxygen in both carbonate and hydroxide has a charge of -2, and lithium has a charge of +1.

Write the chemical formula for carbonic acid

We start by writing the chemical formula for carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). Carbonic acid is an acid, so we begin with hydrogen. Since hydrogen has a charge of +1 and we need a total charge of +4 to balance out the -2 charge from each of the three oxygen atoms, we will need two hydrogen atoms (2 * +1 = +2). Next, we add one carbon atom (+4) and three oxygen atoms (3 * -2 = -6), which results in a total charge of 0. Therefore, the formula for carbonic acid is H₂CO₃.

Write the chemical formula for lithium hydroxide

To write the chemical formula for lithium hydroxide (LiOH), we combine one lithium atom with one hydroxide group. Lithium has a charge of +1 and hydroxide (OH) has a charge of -1, which results in a total charge of 0. Therefore, the formula for lithium hydroxide is LiOH.

Write the chemical formula for lithium carbonate

Lastly, we write the chemical formula for lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃). Since lithium has a charge of +1 and carbonate (CO₃) has a charge of -2, we will need two lithium atoms (2 * +1 = +2) to balance out the charge of one carbonate group (-2). Thus, the formula for lithium carbonate is Li₂CO₃. In conclusion, the chemical formulas for the given compounds are as follows: Carbonic acid: H₂CO₃ Lithium hydroxide: LiOH Lithium carbonate: Li₂CO₃

Key concepts

Carbonic Acid

Carbonic acid is a weak acid commonly found in carbonated beverages like soda and sparkling water. Its chemical formula is \(\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3\). This compound forms when carbon dioxide \(\text{CO}_2\) is dissolved in water. The reaction involved can be represented as follows:
\[ \text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \]
The process is reversible and is part of the carbon cycle, playing a role in the buffering of blood pH in biological systems.

• Components: Carbonic acid consists of hydrogen \(\text{H}\), carbon \(\text{C}\), and oxygen \(\text{O}\).
• Properties: Being a weak acid, it partially dissociates in water to release hydrogen ions \(\text{H}^+\), which is why it can regulate pH in solutions.

By understanding carbonic acid, one can better appreciate its role in daily life and environmental processes.

Lithium Hydroxide

Lithium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula \(\text{LiOH}\). It is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. This compound finds use in a variety of applications, notably in the chemical industry and air purification systems.

• Formation: Lithium hydroxide is produced by the reaction of lithium (\(\text{Li}\)) and water. In chemical terms, it's represented as:
  \[ \text{Li}_2\text{O} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2\text{LiOH} \]
• Usage: It has a key ability to absorb carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)), making it valuable in submarines and spacecraft for air purification. This role is crucial for maintaining breathable air by removing \(\text{CO}_2\) effectively.
• Components: Lithium hydroxide consists of lithium \(\text{Li}\), oxygen \(\text{O}\), and hydrogen \(\text{H}\).

Understanding lithium hydroxide can help comprehend its applications in controlling atmospheric conditions in confined environments.

Lithium Carbonate

Lithium carbonate, with the chemical formula \(\text{Li}_2\text{CO}_3\), is a white powder that is extensively used in psychiatric treatment, particularly for depression and bipolar disorder. It influences the brain's neurotransmitter dynamics by stabilizing mood.

• Molecular Structure: It contains lithium \(\text{Li}\), carbon \(\text{C}\), and oxygen \(\text{O}\), where lithium is present as Li⁺ ions.
• Production: Lithium carbonate is obtained by processing lithium-containing minerals and ores. It is soluble in hot water, making it accessible for various chemical reactions.
• Applications: Beyond psychiatric uses, lithium carbonate serves in the glass and ceramic industries. It lowers the melting point and improves the strength of the final product.

By learning about lithium carbonate, one can grasp how it contributes to both medical treatments and industrial processes.