Question

Common Chemicals Find out the systematic chemical name and write the chemical formula for each of the following common compounds: a. baking soda d. limestone b. milk of magnesia e. lye c. Epsom salts f. wood alcohol

Short answer

Baking soda: NaHCO₃, Milk of magnesia: Mg(OH)₂, Epsom salts: MgSO₄, Limestone: CaCO₃, Lye: NaOH, Wood alcohol: CH₃OH.

Step-by-step solution

Title - Identify Baking Soda

Baking soda is known as sodium bicarbonate. The chemical formula for sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO₃.

Title - Identify Milk of Magnesia

Milk of magnesia is known as magnesium hydroxide. The chemical formula for magnesium hydroxide is Mg(OH)₂.

Title - Identify Epsom Salts

Epsom salts are known as magnesium sulfate. The chemical formula for magnesium sulfate is MgSO₄.

Title - Identify Limestone

Limestone is known as calcium carbonate. The chemical formula for calcium carbonate is CaCO₃.

Title - Identify Lye

Lye is known as sodium hydroxide. The chemical formula for sodium hydroxide is NaOH.

Title - Identify Wood Alcohol

Wood alcohol is known as methanol. The chemical formula for methanol is CH₃OH.

Key concepts

Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a white crystalline powder used in baking, cleaning, and personal care. Its chemical formula is NaHCO\(_3\). This compound reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which is useful in making baked goods rise. It also acts as a mild alkali, effectively neutralizing acids, which is why it's found in many antacids.

Applications of sodium bicarbonate:

• Baking
• Cleaning
• Fire extinguishers
• Personal care products

Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide, or milk of magnesia, has the chemical formula Mg(OH)\(_2\). It appears as a white solid and is often used as an antacid and laxative. It helps neutralize stomach acid and alleviate indigestion. Additionally, it works by drawing water into the intestines, which helps manage constipation.

Key uses of magnesium hydroxide:

• Antacid
• Laxative
• Closer agent in wastewater treatment

Magnesium Sulfate

Magnesium sulfate, more commonly known as Epsom salts, has the formula MgSO\(_4\). It typically comes in a crystalline form that dissolves in water. People often use it in baths to relieve sore muscles and minor aches. Additionally, magnesium sulfate is vital in agriculture as a soil additive to correct magnesium deficiencies in crops.

Benefits and uses of magnesium sulfate:

• Muscle relaxation
• Exfoliant in skincare
• Improvement of magnesium-deficient soils

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate, known in its natural form as limestone, has the chemical formula CaCO\(_3\). It is a common substance found in rocks, and it's also the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, and eggs. People use it in various industries, including construction (for cement and lime production), medical (as a calcium supplement), and agricultural (to improve soil quality).

Uses of calcium carbonate:

• Construction material
• Dietary calcium supplement
• Soil acidity regulator

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye or caustic soda, is a powerful alkali with the chemical formula NaOH. It's a white solid commonly used in soap making, paper production, and chemical processing. Sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns, so it must be handled with care. It is also used in drain cleaners due to its ability to break down organic matter.

Common uses of sodium hydroxide:

• Soap making
• Paper production
• Drain cleaning

Methanol

Methanol, sometimes called wood alcohol, is a simple form of alcohol with the formula CH\(_3\)OH. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a mild alcoholic odor. Methanol is used as a solvent, antifreeze, and as fuel. It also finds use in the production of formaldehyde and other chemicals. However, methanol is toxic to humans and ingestion can lead to serious health risks.

Uses of methanol:

• Solvent
• Fuel
• Antifreeze