Question

Supply the Latin system name for each of the following monoatomic cations: (a) \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Sn}^{2+}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Pb}^{2+}\)

Short answer

(a) Cupric, (b) Ferrous, (c) Stannous, (d) Plumbous.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Element

For each cation listed, identify the element and its corresponding symbol. (a) Cu represents Copper. (b) Fe represents Iron. (c) Sn represents Tin. (d) Pb represents Lead.

Determine the Charge

Each of the given ions has a charge of +2. This is indicated by the superscript "2+" in (a) \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}\)(c) \(\mathrm{Sn}^{2+}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Pb}^{2+}\).

Identify the Latin Root Name

Determine the traditional Latin root name for each element: (a) Copper: cupr- (b) Iron: ferr- (c) Tin: stann- (d) Lead: plumb-.

Apply the Latin System Name

Using the Latin root name and adding the '-ous' suffix because the given ions are the lower charge (for elements with multiple common oxidation states):(a) Cuprous for \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\) (note: typically, cupric for \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\))(b) Ferrous for \(\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}\)(c) Stannous for \(\mathrm{Sn}^{2+}\)(d) Plumbous for \(\mathrm{Pb}^{2+}\).

Key concepts

Monoatomic Cations

Monoatomic cations are ions formed when a single atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a positive charge. These ions are crucial in various chemical reactions and play vital roles in electrical conductivity and bonding. Understanding how cations form will help you grasp both fundamental and advanced chemistry concepts. Monoatomic cations are often represented with the element's symbol followed by a positive charge, such as \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\).

A few key aspects of monoatomic cations include:

• Formation: An atom forms a cation when it loses electrons. For instance, when Copper loses two electrons, it forms \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\).
• Charge: The charge of the cation indicates how many electrons have been removed. A \(2^+\) charge means two electrons have been lost.

Monoatomic cations are central to many chemical processes, including the formation of compounds and salts.

Oxidation States

Oxidation states indicate how many electrons an atom has gained, lost, or shared when it forms a compound. These states are vital for predicting the types of chemical reactions an element can undergo.

Some fundamental points to note about oxidation states:

• Significance: The oxidation state helps understand electron transfer and balance in reactions.
• Notations: Represented as superscripts with a sign, such as \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\).
• Multiple States: Elements like Copper, Iron, Tin, and Lead can have different oxidation states, adjusting how they bond with other elements.

Understanding oxidation states allows chemists to determine the nature of an element in a compound and predict reaction outcomes.

Element Symbols

Element symbols are abbreviations representing chemical elements. These are universally recognized codes, typically derived from the English or Latin name of the element.

Here are essential aspects of element symbols:

• International System: Symbols, such as \(\mathrm{Cu}\) for Copper, \(\mathrm{Fe}\) for Iron, \(\mathrm{Sn}\) for Tin, and \(\mathrm{Pb}\) for Lead, are used worldwide for consistency.
• Identification: Symbols provide a quick and unambiguous way to identify chemical elements in equations and formulas.
• Origin: Often derived from Latin names, such as "cupr" for Copper or "ferr" for Iron, offering insight into element history.

Understanding element symbols is basic yet crucial, facilitating clear communication in scientific language.

Chemistry Nomenclature

Chemistry nomenclature is the system used to name chemical compounds and elements systematically. It allows scientists and students alike to convey intricate chemical compositions accurately.

Key features of chemistry nomenclature include:

• Consistency: Provides a standardized method to name compounds and ions globally.
• Latin Roots: Many elements use Latin, influencing their names, such as "cuprous" for \(\mathrm{Cu}^{+}\) or "cupric" for \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\).
• Suffices: Helps distinguish between various ions of an element—'-ous' for lower oxidation states and '-ic' for higher ones.

Mastery of chemistry nomenclature enables you to understand complex formulas and predict compound properties effectively.