Question

Classify each of the following as a binary ionic compound, ternary ionic compound, binary molecular compound, binary acid, or ternary oxyacid: (a) ammonia, \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) (b) rust, \(\mathrm{Fe}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) (c) barite, \(\mathrm{BaSO}_{4}\) (d) battery acid, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}(a q)\)

Short answer

(a) Binary molecular compound, (b) Binary ionic compound, (c) Ternary ionic compound, (d) Ternary oxyacid.

Step-by-step solution

Define the Compound Types

Before classifying the compounds, let's define the types. - **Binary Ionic Compound:** Composed of two types of ions, a metal and a non-metal. - **Ternary Ionic Compound:** Consists of three elements, typically involving a polyatomic ion. - **Binary Molecular Compound:** Made up of two non-metal elements. - **Binary Acid:** Contains hydrogen and one other non-metal and is typically an aqueous solution. - **Ternary Oxyacid:** Includes hydrogen and a polyatomic ion with oxygen.

Classify Ammonia, \( \mathrm{NH}_3 \)

Ammonia, \( \mathrm{NH}_3 \), consists of nitrogen and hydrogen, both of which are non-metals. Therefore, it is classified as a **binary molecular compound**.

Classify Rust, \( \mathrm{Fe}_2 \mathrm{O}_3 \)

Rust, \( \mathrm{Fe}_2 \mathrm{O}_3 \), is made from iron and oxygen. Iron is a metal and oxygen is a non-metal, so this is classified as a **binary ionic compound**.

Classify Barite, \( \mathrm{BaSO}_4 \)

Barite, \( \mathrm{BaSO}_4 \), includes barium (a metal) and the sulfate ion \( \mathrm{SO}_4^{2-} \) (a polyatomic ion). This makes it a **ternary ionic compound**.

Classify Battery Acid, \( \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{SO}_4(aq) \)

Battery acid, \( \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{SO}_4(aq) \), is composed of hydrogen and the sulfate polyatomic ion. Since it contains hydrogen, oxygen, and another element (sulfur) in an aqueous solution, it is a **ternary oxyacid**.

Key concepts

Binary Ionic Compound

Binary ionic compounds are formed when atoms from two different elements come together in a chemical bond. One element will typically be a metal, and the other a non-metal.
Metals tend to lose electrons, while non-metals usually gain them. This electron exchange results in the formation of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms a strong bond.
Characteristics of binary ionic compounds include:

• Metal + Non-Metal: Comprised of elements positioned at opposite sides of the periodic table.
• Solid at Room Temperature: These compounds are typically solid due to strong ionic bonds.
• High Melting and Boiling Points: A result of the strong attractions between ions.

Understanding these properties helps in identifying and classifying compounds like rust (Fe₂O₃) as binary ionic compounds.

Ternary Ionic Compound

Ternary ionic compounds are a bit more complex because they contain three different elements. They often involve a polyatomic ion—a group of covalently bonded atoms that carry a charge. Polyatomic ions, such as sulfate (SO₄²⁻) or nitrate (NO₃⁻), integrate with metals to form these compounds. The compound retains an overall neutral charge because the sum of charges from cations and anions equals zero.
Key features of ternary ionic compounds include:

• Presence of Polyatomic Ions: These ions give the compound its ternary nature.
• Typically Form Solutions: Many dissolve in water, forming clear solutions.
• Reactivity: React readily in solution, participating in various chemical reactions.

By recognizing these traits, students can easily classify compounds like barite (BaSO₄) as ternary ionic.

Binary Molecular Compound

Binary molecular compounds consist of two non-metal elements bonded together by sharing electrons, which contrasts with ionic bonding. This type of bond is called covalent.
Covalent bonding allows atoms to achieve a full outer electron shell, leading to stable molecules. These compounds are named using prefixes to denote the number of each atom present. Important aspects include:

• Covalent Bonding: Atoms share electrons rather than transferring them.
• Variability in States: Found as gases, liquids, or solids at room temperature.
• Lower Melting and Boiling Points: Compared to ionic compounds, due to weaker forces between molecules.

Ammonia (NH₃) is an example of a binary molecular compound, classified due to the shared electrons between nitrogen and hydrogen.

Chemical Education

Chemical education is crucial for understanding the basic principles and reactions that govern the substances and processes around us.
It equips students with the knowledge to classify compounds and predict their behavior in reactions.
To enhance chemical education:

• Emphasize Fundamental Concepts: Understanding basic types of compounds can simplify chemical studies.
• Interactive Learning: Utilize models, simulations, and hands-on experiments to reinforce theory.
• Importance of Nomenclature: Systematic naming of compounds helps in categorizing and remembering chemical substances.

With a comprehensive understanding of these concepts, students are better prepared to delve deeper into advanced chemical sciences.

Introductory Chemistry

Introductory chemistry serves as the foundational step for advanced scientific education. It introduces core concepts like atomic structure, molecular formation, and types of chemical compounds.
These fundamental topics provide a base upon which students can build more detailed and complex knowledge.
Key components of introductory chemistry include:

• Basic Atomic Theory: Understanding protons, neutrons, and electrons, which form the building blocks.
• Bonding Basics: Both ionic and covalent bonds, crucial for compound formation.
• Compound Classification: Differentiating between binary and ternary compounds as a stepping stone to more intricate chemical learning.

By mastering introductory chemistry, students create a robust platform for applying their knowledge to real-world scientific challenges.