Question

Write a chemical formula for the compound containing one carbon atom for every four bromine atoms.

Short answer

The chemical formula for the compound is CBr4.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Composition

To write the chemical formula for the compound with one carbon atom to every four bromine atoms, understand the ratio of carbon to bromine given.

Writing the Chemical Symbols

Carbon is represented by the symbol 'C,' and bromine is represented by the symbol 'Br.'

Combining the Symbols According to the Given Ratio

Since the ratio is one carbon to four bromines, the chemical symbols are combined as such: CBr4.

Key concepts

Chemical Composition

The term 'chemical composition' refers to the types and amounts of atoms that constitute a particular chemical compound. Understanding the chemical composition is essential when deciphering or constructing chemical formulas, as it illustrates the specific elements and their quantities within a compound. For example, when the exercise states that the compound consists of one carbon atom to every four bromine atoms, this gives us a clear picture of the compound's makeup. The chemical composition helps to determine the properties, behavior, and potential chemical reactions that a material might undergo.

To clearly visualize chemical composition, oftentimes, it is presented using a chemical formula which provides a simple way to denote these elements and their corresponding quantities. For instance, water's chemical composition is always two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, regardless of the amount of water you have, which is denoted by the chemical formula H2O.

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are an essential part of scientific shorthand to represent the elements in a compound. Each element in the periodic table is assigned a unique one or two-letter symbol that is generally derived from its English or Latin name. For example, the symbol for Carbon is 'C', and for Bromine, it is 'Br'.

These symbols are standardized and used worldwide, which allows for consistent communication in written chemical equations and formulas. It should be noted that the first letter of a chemical symbol is always capitalized, and if there is a second letter, it is lowercase. This precision in notation avoids confusion between elements with similar names, such as carbon and calcium (Ca), or boron (B) and barium (Ba).

Atomic Ratio

The atomic ratio in a chemical formula provides important information about the proportion of elements in a compound. It is expressed as a simple whole number ratio, indicating how many atoms of one element are combined with another in a single molecule of the compound. Understanding the atomic ratio is crucial for both stoichiometry in chemical reactions and for determining the compound's empirical formula.

For example, the atomic ratio in a molecule of glucose, C6H12O6, is 6:12:6 for carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, respectively. However, this ratio can be simplified to 1:2:1 for the empirical formula CH2O. In the exercise provided, the atomic ratio of carbon to bromine is 1:4, leading to the chemical formula CBr4. Grasping the concept of atomic ratios ensures that the correct amounts of substances are used in chemical reactions and helps predict the outcome of these reactions.