Question

Write the formula for each of the following binary compounds of nonmetallic elements. a. diphosphorus monoxide b. sulfur dioxide c. diphosphorus pentoxide d. carbon tetrachloride e. nitrogen tribromide f. silicon tetrafluoride g. sulfur dichloride

Short answer

The chemical formulas for the given binary compounds are: a. Diphosphorus monoxide: \(P_2O\) b. Sulfur dioxide: \(SO_2\) c. Diphosphorus pentoxide: \(P_2O_5\) d. Carbon tetrachloride: \(CCl_4\) e. Nitrogen tribromide: \(NBr_3\) f. Silicon tetrafluoride: \(SiF_4\) g. Sulfur dichloride: \(SCl_2\)

Step-by-step solution

a. Diphosphorus monoxide

First, we identify the elements in the compound: diphosphorus (P) and monoxide (O). The prefixes "di-" and "mono-" indicate that there are 2 phosphorus atoms and 1 oxygen atom, respectively. Thus, the formula for diphosphorus monoxide is \(P_2O\).

b. Sulfur dioxide

The elements in this compound are sulfur (S) and dioxide (O). The prefix "di-" in dioxide indicates that there are 2 oxygen atoms. Since there is no prefix for sulfur, it is understood that there is only 1 sulfur atom. Therefore, the formula for sulfur dioxide is \(SO_2\).

c. Diphosphorus pentoxide

In this compound, we have diphosphorus (P) and pentoxide (O). The prefixes "di-" and "penta-" indicate that there are 2 phosphorus atoms and 5 oxygen atoms, respectively. The formula for diphosphorus pentoxide is \(P_2O_5\).

d. Carbon tetrachloride

This compound consists of carbon (C) and tetrachloride (Cl). The prefix "tetra-" indicates that there are 4 chlorine atoms. Since there is no prefix for carbon, it is understood that there is only 1 carbon atom. The formula for carbon tetrachloride is \(CCl_4\).

e. Nitrogen tribromide

The elements in this compound are nitrogen (N) and tribromide (Br). The prefix "tri-" indicates that there are 3 bromine atoms, and since there is no prefix for nitrogen, it is understood that there is only 1 nitrogen atom. Hence, the formula for nitrogen tribromide is \(NBr_3\).

f. Silicon tetrafluoride

In this compound, we have silicon (Si) and tetrafluoride (F). The prefix "tetra-" indicates that there are 4 fluorine atoms, and since there is no prefix for silicon, it is understood that there is only 1 silicon atom. The formula for silicon tetrafluoride is \(SiF_4\).

g. Sulfur dichloride

This compound consists of sulfur (S) and dichloride (Cl). The prefix "di-" indicates that there are 2 chlorine atoms, and since there is no prefix for sulfur, it is understood that there is only 1 sulfur atom. Therefore, the formula for sulfur dichloride is \(SCl_2\).

Key concepts

Binary Compounds

Binary compounds are chemical compounds made from exactly two different elements. These compounds can be made from metals and nonmetals, or from two nonmetals. When nonmetals combine to form binary compounds, they follow specific naming rules that help us understand their composition and structure.

The name of a binary compound often indicates the type and number of atoms involved. For instance, in the name "sulfur dioxide," we can deduce that the compound consists of sulfur and oxygen, with two oxygen atoms involved. This leads us to the chemical formula: \(SO_2\). An understanding of these naming conventions allows chemists to deduce empirical formulas quickly from compound names.

The ability to write and understand formulas for binary compounds is crucial in chemistry as it aids in recognizing reactions, predicting products, and comprehending chemical properties.

Nonmetallic Elements

Nonmetallic elements are often found on the right side of the periodic table. These elements, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, tend to share electrons during chemical reactions, forming covalent bonds to create compounds. Nonmetals are essential for the composition of living organisms and are crucial in forming binary compounds with other nonmetals.

In binary compounds containing nonmetallic elements, the prefix naming system plays a significant role. For example, nitrogen can combine with bromine to form nitrogen tribromide \(NBr_3\). Here, nitrogen has an oxidation state that allows it to bond with three bromine atoms, illustrating how nonmetallic reactivity contributes to compound formation.

Nonmetallic elements also possess varied physical properties. They can exist in different states at room temperature, such as gases like oxygen \(O_2\), or solids like sulfur \(S_8\), adding to the rich diversity of compounds and materials they can form.

Prefixes in Chemistry

In chemistry, prefixes are used to indicate the number of atoms of each element in a compound, especially when dealing with binary compounds of nonmetals. These prefixes are derived from Greek or Latin numbers and serve as a shorthand to convey complex information.

• "Mono-" means one, but is often omitted for the first element.
• "Di-" stands for two.
• "Tri-" indicates three.
• "Tetra-" means four.
• "Penta-" represents five.

Understanding these prefixes allows for a straightforward conversion from a compound's name to its chemical formula. For example, the name "diphosphorus pentoxide" directly translates to the chemical formula \(P_2O_5\). The systematic use of prefixes eliminates ambiguity in chemical nomenclature, making it easier for scientists to communicate complex compositions succinctly.