Question

Write formulas for these acids: (a) hydrochloric acid (d) carbonic acid (b) chloric acid (e) sulfurous acid (c) nitric acid (f) phosphoric acid

Short answer

The formulas are (a) HCl, (b) HClO3, (c) HNO3, (d) H2CO3, (e) H2SO3, (f) H3PO4.

Step-by-step solution

Writing the Formula for Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is an acid composed of hydrogen and chlorine. Its chemical formula is created by combining hydrogen (H) with chlorine (Cl) to form hydrogen chloride. In aqueous solutions, this is commonly referred to as hydrochloric acid, with the formula being HCl.

Writing the Formula for Carbonic Acid

Carbonic acid consists of one carbon atom, two oxygen atoms, and two hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen is combined with the carbonate ion (CO3) which has a -2 charge. Since hydrogen has a +1 charge, two hydrogen atoms are needed to balance this, resulting in the chemical formula H2CO3.

Writing the Formula for Chloric Acid

Chloric acid has chlorine in an oxidation state of +5 and is combined with oxygen and hydrogen. The chlorate ion is ClO3 with a -1 charge. When combined with hydrogen, which has a +1 charge, the resulting formula is HClO3.

Writing the Formula for Sulfurous Acid

Sulfurous acid is formed by the combination of the sulfite ion (SO3) with a -2 charge and hydrogen ions. Two hydrogen ions, each with a +1 charge, are needed to neutralize the charge of the sulfite ion, resulting in the formula H2SO3.

Writing the Formula for Nitric Acid

Nitric acid consists of nitrogen in an oxidation state of +5, combined with oxygen and hydrogen. The nitrate ion is NO3 with a -1 charge. It combines with a hydrogen ion, which has a +1 charge, to produce the chemical formula HNO3.

Writing the Formula for Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid is composed of the phosphate ion (PO4) with a -3 charge. Three hydrogen ions, each with a +1 charge, are required to balance this charge, yielding the chemical formula H3PO4.

Key concepts

Understanding Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

When we delve into the nature of hydrochloric acid, we encounter a compound that is fundamental to a variety of chemical processes, including digestion in our own bodies.

Comprising simply of one hydrogen atom bonded to a chlorine atom, hydrochloric acid's formula, HCl, reflects its simplicity. In an aqueous solution, it dissociates into H⁺ and Cl^- ions, making it a strong acid due to its almost complete dissociation in water.

Its applications are extensive, from refining metal to pH regulation. When working with hydrochloric acid, it is imperative to understand its reactivity and potential hazards, such as its corrosive properties.

Unveiling the Nature of Carbonic Acid (H2CO3)

Carbonic acid is a weak acid formed in small amounts when its anhydride, carbon dioxide (CO₂), dissolves in water.

The chemical structure is represented by the formula H₂CO₃, hinting at the two hydrogen atoms that are necessary to stabilize the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃^-). Understanding the role of carbonic acid is crucial in fields such as physiology, where it helps to maintain the pH balance of blood, and geology, where it contributes to the erosion of rocks over time.

Exploring Chloric Acid (HClO3)

Chloric acid is an example of an oxyacid, where oxygen is bonded to a nonmetal, in this case, chlorine, with an additional hydrogen atom to complete the molecule.

Its formula, HClO₃, reveals the presence of three oxygen atoms, making it a strong acid, albeit less common than its relatives, hydrochloric and perchloric acids. Chloric acid is used predominantly in laboratories and industry for oxidative reactions, which should be approached with caution due to its potentially explosive nature in the presence of certain organic compounds.

Decoding Sulfurous Acid (H2SO3)

Sulfurous acid might not be commonly encountered in its pure form, but its salts, known as sulfites, are widely used, especially in food preservation.

The sulfurous acid formula, H₂SO₃, comprises two hydrogen atoms attached to a sulfite ion (SO₃^2-). As a weak acid, it partially dissociates in aqueous solutions, and its presence is frequently noted in the atmosphere as a result of volcanic gases or burning fossil fuels, where it plays a role in acid rain formation.

The Role of Nitric Acid (HNO3)

Nitric acid stands out as a highly reactive and corrosive strong acid with the formula HNO₃.

It shows three oxygen atoms surrounding a central nitrogen atom. Used mainly in the production of fertilizers, nitric acid also finds its significance in manufacturing explosives and in various chemical syntheses. Handling this acid requires stringent safety measures due to its ability to cause severe burns and its role in nitrogen dioxide formation, a toxic pollutant.

Characteristics of Phosphoric Acid (H3PO4)

Phosphoric acid is represented by H₃PO₄ and it's known for its role as an intermediate in the fertilizer industry.

The structure includes three hydrogen atoms and a phosphate ion (PO₄^3-), which stabilizes the molecule. It's considered a moderate acid due to less reactivity compared to strong acids like hydrochloric acid. Its application spans from food additives to rust inhibitors, underlining its versatility in industrial and culinary contexts.