The oxides of nitrogen are very important components in urban air pollution. Name each of the following compounds: (a) N2O (b) NO (c) NO2 (d) N2O5 (e) N2O4.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the type of compound. These are binary compounds consisting of nitrogen and oxygen, known as nitrogen oxides.

Step 2: Use the rules for naming binary molecular compounds. The first element in the formula is named first, and the second element is named as if it were an anion (ending in -ide).

Step 3: Apply prefixes to indicate the number of atoms. Use prefixes like 'mono-', 'di-', 'tri-', 'tetra-', 'penta-', etc., to denote the number of atoms of each element present in the compound.

Step 4: Name each compound: (a) N2O is dinitrogen monoxide, (b) NO is nitrogen monoxide, (c) NO2 is nitrogen dioxide, (d) N2O5 is dinitrogen pentoxide, (e) N2O4 is dinitrogen tetroxide.

Step 5: Review the names to ensure they follow the IUPAC nomenclature rules for binary molecular compounds.

Key Concepts

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

Nomenclature of Inorganic Compounds

Inorganic nomenclature is the system used to name chemical compounds. It involves rules for naming ionic, covalent, and acid compounds based on their composition and structure. For example, the prefixes mono-, di-, and tri- indicate the number of atoms in covalent compounds, which is essential for naming oxides like N2O and NO.

Oxides of Nitrogen

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a group of gases that include various oxides of nitrogen, such as nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These compounds play significant roles in atmospheric chemistry and pollution, contributing to smog and acid rain. Understanding their chemical formulas helps in identifying their properties and environmental impacts.

Chemical Formulas and Molecular Structure

Chemical formulas represent the composition of a compound, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For example, N2O5 consists of two nitrogen atoms and five oxygen atoms. Recognizing the molecular structure is crucial for understanding the behavior and reactivity of these compounds in chemical reactions and environmental processes.

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