Because many ions and compounds have very similar names, there is great potential for confusing them. Write the correct chemical formulas to distinguish between (a) sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, (b) potassium peroxide and potassium oxide, (c) aluminum nitride and aluminum nitrite, (d) iron(II) oxide and iron(III) oxide

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Identify the chemical formula for aluminum nitride: Aluminum nitride is composed of aluminum (Al) and nitride ions (N^{3-}).

Determine the charge of each ion: Aluminum (Al) has a charge of +3, and nitride (N^{3-}) has a charge of -3.

Balance the charges to form a neutral compound: Since both ions have charges that are numerically equal but opposite, one aluminum ion will balance with one nitride ion.

Write the chemical formula for aluminum nitride: The formula is AlN.

Identify the chemical formula for aluminum nitrite: Aluminum nitrite is composed of aluminum (Al) and nitrite ions (NO_2^{-}).

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Key Concepts

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

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively charged cations and negatively charged anions. In the case of aluminum nitride and aluminum nitrite, aluminum acts as the cation, while nitride and nitrite are different anions. Understanding the nature of these compounds is essential for writing their correct chemical formulas.

Nomenclature of Ions

The nomenclature of ions involves the systematic naming of ions based on their composition and charge. Aluminum nitride contains the nitride ion (N³⁻), while aluminum nitrite contains the nitrite ion (NO₂⁻). Recognizing the differences in these ions is crucial for distinguishing between the two compounds and writing their correct formulas.

Chemical Formula Representation

Chemical formulas represent the composition of a compound, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For aluminum nitride, the formula is AlN, while for aluminum nitrite, it is Al(NO₂)₃. Understanding how to construct and interpret these formulas is vital for accurately distinguishing between similar compounds.

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Molecular Formula

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Textbook Question

Elements in the same group of the periodic table often form oxyanions with the same general formula. The anions are also named in a similar fashion. Based on these observations, suggest a chemical formula or name, as appropriate, for each of the following ions: (d) hydrogen tellurate ion.

Textbook Question

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.

Textbook Question

Because many ions and compounds have very similar names, there is great potential for confusing them. Write the correct chemical formulas to distinguish between (e) hydride ion and hydroxide ion, (f) magnesium nitride and magnesium nitrite, (g) mercurous chloride and mercuric chloride, (h) cuprous oxide and cupric oxide.