Question

Write the formula for each compound (the composition is given after each name): (a) zinc oxide 1 atom \(\mathrm{Zn}, 1\) atom \(\mathrm{O}\) (b) potassium chlorate 1 atom \(\mathrm{K}, 1\) atom \(\mathrm{Cl}, 3\) atoms \(\mathrm{O}\) (c) sodium hydroxide 1 atom \(\mathrm{Na}, 1\) atom \(\mathrm{O}, 1\) atom \(\mathrm{H}\) (d) ethyl alcohol 2 atoms C, 6 atoms \(\mathrm{H}, 1\) atom \(\mathrm{O}\)

Short answer

ZnO, KClO₃, NaOH, C₂H₆O

Step-by-step solution

Identify Symbols of Elements

Identify the chemical symbols for each element given: - Zinc: Zn- Oxygen: O- Potassium: K- Chlorine: Cl- Sodium: Na- Hydrogen: H- Carbon: C

Write the Formula for Zinc Oxide

Next, write the formula for Zinc Oxide using the symbols and quantities provided: - Zn (1 atom)- O (1 atom) Combine them to get: ZnO

Write the Formula for Potassium Chlorate

Write the formula for Potassium Chlorate: - K (1 atom)- Cl (1 atom)- O (3 atoms) Combine them to get: KClO₃

Write the Formula for Sodium Hydroxide

Write the formula for Sodium Hydroxide: - Na (1 atom)- O (1 atom)- H (1 atom) Combine them to get: NaOH

Write the Formula for Ethyl Alcohol

Write the formula for Ethyl Alcohol: - C (2 atoms)- H (6 atoms)- O (1 atom) Combine them to get: C₂H₆O

Key concepts

compound identification

When working with chemical formulas, the first step is to identify the compound we are dealing with. Understanding the name and structure of a compound helps us know its chemical behavior and properties. For example, zinc oxide, potassium chlorate, sodium hydroxide, and ethyl alcohol are different compounds, each with unique compositions. Identifying a compound correctly ensures that we can communicate effectively about its characteristics and reactions. In exams or labs, compound identification is crucial for accurate experimentation and reporting.

element symbols

Element symbols are shorthand representations of elements in the periodic table. Each element has a unique symbol, usually derived from its English or Latin name. For instance:

• Zinc is represented as Zn
• Oxygen as O
• Potassium as K
• Chlorine as Cl
• Sodium as Na
• Hydrogen as H
• Carbon as C

Understanding these symbols helps in writing chemical formulas precisely. These symbols are like the alphabet in the language of chemistry, allowing scientists to express complex information concisely. It's essential to memorize these commonly used element symbols to comfortably navigate through various chemical equations and reactions.

chemical composition

Chemical composition refers to the types and numbers of atoms present in a compound. By knowing the composition, we can write accurate chemical formulas. For example:

• In Zinc Oxide: 1 atom of Zn and 1 atom of O combine to form ZnO
• In Potassium Chlorate: 1 atom of K, 1 atom of Cl, and 3 atoms of O combine to form KClO₃
• In Sodium Hydroxide: 1 atom of Na, 1 atom of O, and 1 atom of H combine to form NaOH
• In Ethyl Alcohol: 2 atoms of C, 6 atoms of H, and 1 atom of O combine to form C₂H₆O

The ability to determine the correct chemical composition is fundamental in chemistry. It enables the understanding of how different elements interact and form compounds with distinct properties. This knowledge is applied in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials science, aiding in the development of new products and technologies.