Question

Write symbols for the following ions: (a) Ferrous ion (b) Tin(IV) ion (c) Lead(II) ion (d) Chromic ion

Short answer

(a) \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \), (b) \( \text{Sn}^{4+} \), (c) \( \text{Pb}^{2+} \), (d) \( \text{Cr}^{3+} \)

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Ion Nomenclature

Ions often have traditional names or systematic names that indicate their charges. 'Ferrous' indicates an iron ion with a +2 charge, 'Chromic' refers to chromium with a +3 charge, 'Tin(IV)' specifies a tin ion with a +4 charge, and 'Lead(II)' indicates a lead ion with a +2 charge.

Writing the Symbol for Ferrous Ion

The ferrous ion refers to the iron ion with a +2 charge. The chemical symbol for iron is Fe, so the ferrous ion is represented as \( \text{Fe}^{2+} \).

Writing the Symbol for Tin(IV) Ion

For Tin(IV) ion, the Roman numeral 'IV' indicates a +4 charge. Tin is represented by the symbol Sn, so the ion is written as \( \text{Sn}^{4+} \).

Writing the Symbol for Lead(II) Ion

The lead(II) ion means a lead ion with a +2 charge. Lead's symbol is Pb, thus the ion is \( \text{Pb}^{2+} \).

Writing the Symbol for Chromic Ion

The chromic ion is another name for chromium with a +3 charge. Thus, the symbol for the chromic ion is \( \text{Cr}^{3+} \).

Key concepts

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are short-hand notations used to represent elements in chemistry. These symbols are typically one or two letters long and are derived from the element's English or Latin name. For example, the symbol for Iron is Fe, coming from its Latin name, Ferrum. Similarly, Tin's symbol, Sn, is derived from its Latin name, Stannum. Using chemical symbols allows for easy communication and notation in chemical equations and formulas.

• Single-letter symbols: Only a few elements, such as Hydrogen (H), have a one-letter symbol.
• Two-letter symbols: Most elements have a two-letter symbol to distinguish them from others, like Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr).

Chemical symbols are often paired with numbers or charges to indicate molecules or ions, like sodium ions represented as \( \text{Na}^+ \). Understanding these symbols and their charges is crucial in the study of chemistry.

Traditional Ion Names

Traditional ion names often draw from historical or empirical origins and can specify different charged forms of an element. These names sometimes hint at the ion’s charge state through prefixes or suffixes. For example, the suffix '-ous' typically denotes a lower oxidation state, while '-ic' denotes a higher one:

• Ferrous ion (Fe): This is an older name for the iron ion with a +2 charge, Fe²⁺.
• Chromic ion (Cr): This refers to a chromium ion with a +3 charge, Cr³⁺.

These traditional names are widely used in industry and academia, maintaining a historical context within the field of chemistry.

Systematic Ion Names

Systematic ion names provide clear and standardized nomenclature for ions and use Roman numerals to indicate the element's oxidation state. This systematic approach simplifies the identification process for many elements and compounds. For example:

• Tin(IV) ion (Sn): Here, the Roman numeral 'IV' indicates a +4 charge, resulting in the ion denotation Sn⁴⁺.
• Lead(II) ion (Pb): The '(II)' signifies a +2 charge, reflected in the notation Pb²⁺.

This nomenclature provides clarity and reduces ambiguity, especially in complex chemical studies. Whether in chemical education or advanced applications, systematic names ensure that the ion's properties are easily understood.