Question

a. Distinguish between binary acids and oxyacids in terms of their component elements and the systems used in naming them. b. Give three examples of each type of acid.

Short answer

Binary acids are hydrogen and one nonmetal, named with 'hydro-' and '-ic'. Oxyacids are hydrogen, oxygen, and another element, named with '-ic' or '-ous'. Examples: HCl, HBr, HI (binary); H₂SO₄, HNO₃, H₃PO₄ (oxyacids).

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Binary Acids

Binary acids are composed of hydrogen and one other nonmetal element. Their names typically begin with the prefix 'hydro-', followed by the root name of the nonmetal, and end with the suffix '-ic acid'. For example, HCl is named hydrochloric acid.

- Understand Oxyacids

Oxyacids contain hydrogen, oxygen, and another element (usually a nonmetal). They are often derived from polyatomic ions. The naming system for oxyacids depends on the suffix of the polyatomic ion: if the ion ends in '-ate', the acid name will end in '-ic acid'; if the ion ends in '-ite', the acid name will end in '-ous acid'. For example, H₂SO₄ (from the sulfate ion) is named sulfuric acid.

- Examples of Binary Acids

Three examples of binary acids are: 1. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) 2. Hydrobromic acid (HBr) 3. Hydroiodic acid (HI)

- Examples of Oxyacids

Three examples of oxyacids are: 1. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) 2. Nitric acid (HNO₃) 3. Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄)

Key concepts

Binary Acids

Binary acids are a class of acids composed of only two elements: hydrogen and a nonmetal. These acids are simple in structure but play an important role in chemistry.

• They typically contain hydrogen and one other nonmetal element.
• Common nonmetals include chlorine, bromine, and iodine.
• Their names follow a specific convention: starting with the prefix 'hydro-', followed by the root of the nonmetal's name, and ending with '-ic acid'.

For instance, when hydrogen combines with chlorine to form HCl, it is named hydrochloric acid. Similarly, hydrogen with bromine (HBr) is called hydrobromic acid, and hydrogen with iodine (HI) is called hydroiodic acid. Understanding these naming conventions is essential for mastering the identification and use of binary acids in various chemical reactions.

Oxyacids

Oxyacids are a different type of acid that consist of hydrogen, oxygen, and another element, usually a nonmetal. These acids are more complex than binary acids.

• They contain at least one oxygen atom in addition to hydrogen and another nonmetal.
• These are often derived from polyatomic ions.
• Named based on the polyatomic ions they contain.

The naming system for oxyacids varies slightly depending on the suffix of the polyatomic ion they are derived from:

• If the polyatomic ion ends with '-ate,' the acid name will end with '-ic acid.'
• If the polyatomic ion ends with '-ite,' the acid name will end with '-ous acid.'

For example: H₂SO₄ (derived from the sulfate ion SO₄²⁻) is named sulfuric acid, HNO₃ (from the nitrate ion NO₃⁻) is called nitric acid, and H₃PO₄ (from the phosphate ion PO₄³⁻) is known as phosphoric acid. Recognizing these naming patterns helps in understanding the characteristics and reactions of oxyacids.

Acid Naming Conventions

Naming conventions for acids are crucial for clear communication in the field of chemistry.

• Binary acids typically follow the 'hydro + root name of the nonmetal + ic acid' pattern.
• Oxyacids are named based on the ending of their corresponding polyatomic ions.

Here are a few examples for clarity:

• Binary acid: HCl -> Hydrochloric Acid
• Binary acid: HBr -> Hydrobromic Acid
• Oxyacid: H₂SO₄ (sulfate) -> Sulfuric Acid
• Oxyacid: HNO₂ (nitrite) -> Nitrous Acid

Understanding these naming conventions allows for accurate identification and usage of acids in both laboratory and industrial settings. This fundamental knowledge is essential for students as they progress in their chemistry studies.