Question

Write the systematic names for the following: (a) baking soda \(\left(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3}\right)\) (d) vinegar \(\left(\mathrm{HC}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}\right)\) (b) quicksilver ( \(\mathrm{Hg}\) ) (e) Epsom salts \(\left(\mathrm{MgSO}_{4} \cdot 7 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)\) (c) lime (CaO) (f) lye \((\mathrm{NaOH})\)

Short answer

(a) Sodium bicarbonate, (b) Mercury, (c) Calcium oxide, (d) Acetic acid, (e) Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, (f) Sodium hydroxide.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Compound Types and Their Ions

Determine whether the substance is ionic, molecular or an element, and identify the cations, anions, or elements present in each compound.

Naming Ionic Compounds

For ionic compounds, name the cation first followed by the anion. For molecules, use prefixes to denote the number of atoms if necessary and add '-ide' to the anion. Elements are typically called by their element name.

Naming Hydrates

If the compound is a hydrate, indicate the number of water molecules by using the appropriate Greek prefix followed by 'hydrate'.

Writing Systematic Names

Apply the rules of nomenclature to write out the systematic names for each substance.

Key concepts

Naming Ionic Compounds

Understanding the basics of naming ionic compounds is fundamental in chemistry education. These compounds consist of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions). In writing their names, the cation is always named first, followed by the anion. For example, lets consider table salt: its chemical formula is NaCl, where Na+ is the sodium ion (cation) and Cl- is the chloride ion (anion). When named systematically, it is called sodium chloride.

When dealing with transition metals, which can have multiple oxidation states, the charge on the metal ion is indicated with Roman numerals. For instance, iron can exist as Fe2+ or Fe3+, resulting in compounds like iron(II) chloride (FeCl2) and iron(III) chloride (FeCl3).

In our exercise, baking soda is chemically known as sodium bicarbonate. Its systematic name, therefore, is sodium hydrogen carbonate, as 'bi-' is an old prefix indicating the presence of hydrogen.

Naming Molecular Compounds

When it comes to molecular compounds, these are typically composed of nonmetals, and the naming process differs slightly from that of ionic compounds. Numerical prefixes are employed to indicate the number of atoms present in each element within the compound. These prefixes range from mono- (1), di- (2), tri- (3), tetra- (4), and so on.

For the given exercise, vinegar's chemical name is acetic acid, but its formula is written out as HC2H3O2 for naming purposes. Following the rules, this translates to hydrogen diacetate. However, common names often prevail in everyday language, and this is where chemistry education aims to provide clarity by teaching both the systematic and common names to enhance students' overall understanding.

Lastly, when the compound consists of only two elements, the suffix '-ide' is added to the second element. Using the example of lye (NaOH), it is composed of sodium (Na+) and hydroxide (OH-), which is already named using the '-ide' suffix, leading to the systematic name sodium hydroxide.

Chemistry Education

The importance of chemistry education cannot be overstated, as it equips students with the knowledge to understand the world at a molecular and atomic level. By teaching the principles of chemical nomenclature, students are better prepared to navigate the complex language of chemistry, which is vital not just academically but also in various professional fields.

In educational settings, incorporating interactive elements such as practice exercises and real-world examples helps students to relate the content to their everyday life—for instance, pointing out that Epsom salts, or magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO4·7H2O), is not just a compound but also a common bath additive.

Exercise Improvement Advice

For students to fully grasp these concepts, it is essential to offer detailed explanations, provide practice with both systematic and common names, and reinforce learning through varied problem-solving tasks. In addition, highlighting the relevance of these compounds in daily life can significantly enhance understanding and retention, making chemistry more accessible and less intimidating.