Question

Write the chemical formula for each of the following household chemicals: (a) dihydrogen oxide (common liquid) (b) sodium hypochlorite (bleach) (c) sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) (d) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

Short answer

(a) \( H_2O \); (b) \( NaClO \); (c) \( NaOH \); (d) \( NaHCO_3 \).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Compound for Dihydrogen Oxide

Dihydrogen oxide is a common chemical compound known more widely as water. It consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. Thus, its chemical formula is represented as \( H_2O \).

Write the Formula for Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is a compound made up of sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O). It is typically used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant. The formula combines these elements as \( NaClO \).

Determine the Formula for Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide consists of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H). It is an alkaline substance commonly used in industrial applications. Its chemical formula is \( NaOH \).

Express the Formula for Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, known as baking soda, comprises sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O). Its chemical formulation is \( NaHCO_3 \).

Key concepts

Dihydrogen Oxide

When someone mentions dihydrogen oxide, it may sound like a complex and exotic chemical. However, it's actually the scientific name for water, one of the most essential substances on Earth. Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. In chemical notation, this is represented by the formula \( H_2O \).
This simple compound plays a crucial role in sustaining life. Its remarkable properties include high polarity, which makes it an excellent solvent for many substances, and its ability to exist in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. These characteristics allow water to participate in countless biological and chemical processes.

• Defining Properties: Polar molecule, high heat capacity, solvent abilities.
• States of Matter: Solid (ice), liquid (water), gas (steam).

Understanding dihydrogen oxide in both its common and scientific contexts helps us appreciate its critical role in daily life and global systems.

Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite may sound unfamiliar, but you encounter it often, especially when cleaning. It is widely known as bleach. Chemically, it is formed from sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O), which come together to create the compound \( NaClO \).
This household chemical is famous for its bleaching and disinfecting capabilities. It is a staple in cleaning products and is effective in sanitizing surfaces by breaking down proteins in microorganisms, effectively killing bacteria and viruses.

• Common Uses: Disinfectant in hospitals, bleach in household cleaners, water purification.
• Chemical Reaction: Reacts to release chlorine, which acts as an active sanitizing agent.

Its ability to disinfect makes sodium hypochlorite a crucial ingredient in maintaining hygiene, both at home and in industrial environments.

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is more commonly recognized in its role as the powerful chemical, caustic soda. Its formula \( NaOH \) reveals its composition: sodium, oxygen, and hydrogen.
Known for its strong alkalinity, sodium hydroxide is a key player in various industrial processes. It is used extensively to manufacture soaps, paper, and in petroleum refining. Its corrosive nature helps in breaking down organic materials, which is why it’s also used in drain cleaners.

• Industrial Applications: Used in soap making, synthesis of textiles, aluminum extraction.
• Handling Precautions: Highly corrosive, can cause burns, requiring careful handling.

Sodium hydroxide exemplifies a powerful chemical, essential in manufacturing and domestic cleaning, highlighting the importance of chemistry in everyday life.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate is a household name known more colloquially as baking soda. Composed of sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and oxygen (O), its chemical formula is \( NaHCO_3 \).
Celebrated for its versatility, sodium bicarbonate acts as a leavening agent in baking, helping dough to rise by producing carbon dioxide when it reacts with an acid. Additionally, it serves as a mild abrasive, deodorant, and pH regulator.

• Kitchen Uses: Baking, tenderizing meats, neutralizing acids.
• Household Uses: Cleaning agent, as a fire extinguisher for minor grease fires, odor control.

Its ability to react and transform makes sodium bicarbonate an invaluable ingredient in both cooking and cleaning, showcasing the practicality of chemical compounds in domestic settings.