Question

Name each of the following binary compounds, using the periodic table to determine whether the compound is likely to be ionic (containing a metal and a nonmetal) or nonionic (containing only nonmetals). a. \(\mathrm{MgS}\) b. \(\mathrm{AlCl}_{3}\) c. \(\mathrm{PH}_{3}\) d. ClBr e. \(\mathrm{Li}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) f. \(\mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10}\)

Short answer

a. \(MgS\): Magnesium sulfide (Ionic) b. \(AlCl_3\): Aluminum chloride (Ionic) c. \(PH_3\): Phosphorus trihydride (Nonionic) d. ClBr: Chlorine monobromide (Nonionic) e. \(Li_2O\): Lithium oxide (Ionic) f. \(P_4O_{10}\): Tetraphosphorus decaoxide (Nonionic)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the elements and their type

Look up the elements in each compound, using the periodic table to determine if the element is a metal or a nonmetal. a. \(MgS\): Magnesium (Metal) and Sulfur (Nonmetal) b. \(AlCl_3\): Aluminum (Metal) and Chlorine (Nonmetal) c. \(PH_3\): Phosphorus (Nonmetal) and Hydrogen (Nonmetal) d. ClBr: Chlorine (Nonmetal) and Bromine (Nonmetal) e. \(Li_2O\): Lithium (Metal) and Oxygen (Nonmetal) f. \(P_4O_{10}\): Phosphorus (Nonmetal) and Oxygen (Nonmetal)

Determine if ionic or nonionic

Based on the type of elements present in each compound, determine if it is ionic or nonionic. a. \(MgS\): Ionic (Metal + Nonmetal) b. \(AlCl_3\): Ionic (Metal + Nonmetal) c. \(PH_3\): Nonionic (Nonmetal + Nonmetal) d. ClBr: Nonionic (Nonmetal + Nonmetal) e. \(Li_2O\): Ionic (Metal + Nonmetal) f. \(P_4O_{10}\): Nonionic (Nonmetal + Nonmetal)

Name the compounds

Now that we know if the compounds are ionic or nonionic, we can name them appropriately, considering the common naming conventions for ionic and nonionic compounds. a. \(MgS\): Magnesium sulfide b. \(AlCl_3\): Aluminum chloride c. \(PH_3\): Phosphorus trihydride d. ClBr: Chlorine monobromide e. \(Li_2O\): Lithium oxide f. \(P_4O_{10}\): Tetraphosphorus decaoxide In conclusion, we have successfully named each of the given binary compounds and determined whether they are ionic or nonionic compounds.

Key concepts

Ionic and Nonionic Compounds

Understanding the difference between ionic and nonionic compounds is essential when delving into chemistry. These distinctions are fundamental, as each type of compound has unique properties and naming conventions.

Let's break down the concept: Ionic compounds are composed of both metals and nonmetals. They form when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) that attract each other to form a compound. The result is a crystalline lattice structure, which tends to be solid at room temperature and has a high melting point. Ionic compounds often dissolve in water and conduct electricity when dissolved or melted.

In contrast, nonionic compounds, also known as covalent compounds, consist of nonmetals only. These compounds form when atoms share electrons to attain a stable electron configuration. They often exist as gases, liquids, or low-melting-point solids and do not conduct electricity in most conditions due to the lack of free-moving ions.

For instance, in the given exercise, compounds like MgS (Magnesium sulfide) and AlCl_3 (Aluminum chloride) are ionic because they consist of metal and nonmetal, indicating that electrons are transferred. Meanwhile, compounds like PH3 (Phosphorus trihydride) and ClBr (Chlorine monobromide) are nonionic, indicating that the atoms within these compounds share electrons.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a chemist's roadmap, providing invaluable information about the elements that make up the universe. It organizes all known elements into a tabular format according to their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties.

Columns, known as groups, often have elements with similar behavior. For example, alkali metals that are highly reactive are found in group 1, while noble gases, which are typically unreactive, occupy group 18. In the context of our problem, we can use the periodic table to quickly determine whether elements are metals, nonmetals, or metalloids, which is pivotal for naming compounds.

Metals like Magnesium (Mg) and Aluminium (Al) are typically found on the left side and in the center of the periodic table, whereas nonmetals like Sulfur (S) and Chlorine (Cl) reside on the right side. This spatial arrangement helps swiftly categorize the type of compound we are dealing with when naming it.

Chemical Nomenclature

The system of naming chemical compounds is known as chemical nomenclature. This standardized protocol allows scientists and students worldwide to communicate clearly and without ambiguity. For ionic compounds, the cation (metal) name is followed by the anion (nonmetal) name with an '-ide' suffix. For example, from the binary compound MgS, we get the name Magnesium sulfide.

For nonionic compounds, we use Greek prefixes to denote the number of atoms. For instance, PH3 is named Phosphorus trihydride, indicating three hydrogen atoms are bonded to one phosphorus atom. Note that the use of 'mono-' is generally omitted for the first element.

It's essential for students to grasp these rules to not only name compounds correctly but also to infer possible properties and behaviors of the substances in question. This is precisely why exercises that involve naming from elements, using the periodic table, are critical for a solid foundation in chemistry education.