Question

Write the simplest formula for each of the following substances, listing the elements in the order given. a. a molecule containing one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. b. a compound containing one aluminum atom for every three chlorine atoms. c. perchloric acid, which contains one hydrogen atom, one chlorine atom, and four oxygen atoms. d. a molecule containing one sulfur atom and six chlorine atoms.

Short answer

The simplest formulas for the given substances are as follows: a. \(CO_2\) b. \(AlCl_3\) c. \(HClO_4\) d. \(SCl_6\)

Step-by-step solution

a. Compound with one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms

The given molecule has one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Therefore, we can write the simplest formula for this compound as \(CO_2\).

b. Compound with one aluminum atom and three chlorine atoms

For this compound, we have one aluminum atom and three chlorine atoms. The simplest formula for this compound will be \(AlCl_3\).

c. Perchloric acid with one hydrogen atom, one chlorine atom, and four oxygen atoms

The perchloric acid contains one hydrogen atom, one chlorine atom, and four oxygen atoms. Hence, the simplest formula for perchloric acid is \(HClO_4\).

d. Molecule with one sulfur atom and six chlorine atoms

Finally, the given molecule has one sulfur atom and six chlorine atoms. The simplest formula for this molecule will be \(SCl_6\).

Key concepts

Carbon Dioxide Formula

Carbon dioxide is a compound that consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is expressed as \( CO_2 \).
This compound is quite common and plays a pivotal role in Earth's atmosphere and biosphere.
It is produced during the respiration process of living beings and during the combustion of organic material (like wood and fossil fuels). When writing chemical formulas, the subscript number indicates the number of atoms of each element present in the compound.

• For carbon dioxide, the number '2' as a subscript shows that there are two oxygen atoms for every one carbon atom.

This balanced ratio between carbon and oxygen gives rise to a stable molecule. The linear structure of carbon dioxide makes it a vital part of cell processes, such as photosynthesis, and contributes to global phenomena, like the greenhouse effect.

Aluminum Chloride Formula

Aluminum chloride is composed of one aluminum atom and three chlorine atoms, giving it the chemical formula \( AlCl_3 \).
This compound is highly significant in chemical industries, particularly for its use as a catalyst in various reactions.
The formula indicates an essential stoichiometric ratio that ensures the stability of the compound.

• 'Al' represents aluminum, whereas 'Cl' is for chlorine, with the subscript '3' denoting three chlorine atoms.

When dealing with ionic compounds like aluminum chloride, it's important to understand that:

• Aluminum carries a charge of \( +3 \), while each chlorine carries a \( -1 \) charge.
• This charge balancing creates a neutral compound as the charges cancel each other out—1 atom of aluminum and three atoms of chlorine.

Such characteristics highlight why \( AlCl_3 \) is essential in both industrial and laboratory settings.

Perchloric Acid Formula

Perchloric acid is an oxyacid that contains one hydrogen atom, one chlorine atom, and four oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is \( HClO_4 \).
This compound is known for being a strong acid and a powerful oxidizing agent when in its anhydrous form.
The formula encompasses all the elements involved in its makeup:

• 'H' for hydrogen, 'Cl' for chlorine,
• 'O' with the subscript '4' indicating four oxygen atoms, which are key for its acidic properties.

Understanding perchloric acid involves recognizing:

• The hydrogen in the formula reflects the compound's ability to donate protons, a core feature of acids.
• Perchloric acid's effectiveness as an oxidizer makes it useful in rocket propulsion and chemical analysis.

The arrangement of these atoms gives \( HClO_4 \) its distinctive properties, crucial in both fields of chemistry and industrial applications.

Sulfur Hexachloride Formula

Sulfur hexachloride, often referred to as sulfur hexafluoride, is a bit different since sulfur hexachloride doesn't exist in stable form. Instead, sulfur hexafluoride \( SF_6 \) is typically discussed.
Sulfur hexafluoride consists of one sulfur atom bonded with six fluorine atoms, resulting in the chemical formula \( SF_6 \).
The exercise seems to point to a hypothetical sulfur hexachloride \( SCl_6 \) which encompasses one sulfur atom and six chlorine atoms. Important to remember:

• \( SF_6 \) is stable and widely used in industry as an insulating gas and in applications requiring non-toxic, non-flammable characteristics.
• The idea of \( SCl_6 \), though not commonly found, serves educational demonstrations of chemical bonding concepts such as octahedral geometry.

Such insights into molecular structure highlight the flexibility and variety of ways elements combine while emphasizing the importance of understanding chemical formulas accurately.