Skip to main content
Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 112

Many familiar substances have common, unsystematic names. For each of the following, give the correct systematic name: (a) salt peter, KNO3 (b) soda ash, Na2CO3 (c) lime, (d) muriatic acid, HCl, CaO (e) Epsom salts, MgSO4 (f) milk of magnesia, Mg(OH)2.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the chemical formula given for the common name. In this case, the formula for muriatic acid is HCl.
Recognize that HCl is a binary compound, consisting of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl).
Understand that binary acids are named using the prefix 'hydro-', the root of the nonmetal element, and the suffix '-ic' followed by the word 'acid'.
Apply the naming rule to HCl: Start with the prefix 'hydro-', use the root of 'chlorine' which is 'chlor-', and add the suffix '-ic'. Finally, add 'acid'.
Combine these components to form the systematic name: hydrochloric acid.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
45s
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acids and Their Nomenclature

Acids are substances that can donate protons (H+) in a solution. Their nomenclature often depends on the anion present. For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is derived from the chloride ion (Cl-), and its systematic name reflects this relationship.
Recommended video:

Common vs. Systematic Names

Common names are often used in everyday language and may not follow systematic naming conventions. Systematic names, however, are derived from the chemical composition and structure of the substance, providing a clear and standardized way to identify compounds, such as calling HCl 'hydrochloric acid' instead of 'muriatic acid.'
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:53
Systematic Error

Chemical Formula Representation

The chemical formula of a substance provides essential information about its composition, including the types and numbers of atoms present. For HCl, the formula indicates one hydrogen atom and one chlorine atom, which is crucial for understanding its properties and behavior as an acid.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:08
Molecular Formula