Write a chemical formula for each molecular model. (See Appendix IIA for color codes.) (a)

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Step 1: Identify the atoms in the molecular model based on the color codes provided in Appendix IIA. Each color represents a different type of atom.

Step 2: Count the number of each type of atom in the molecular model.

Step 3: Write the symbol for each type of atom identified in the molecular model. The symbol for each atom is the one or two letter abbreviation found on the periodic table.

Step 4: Write the number of each type of atom as a subscript after the symbol for that atom. If there is only one atom of a certain type, you do not need to write a '1'.

Step 5: Combine the symbols and numbers to form the chemical formula. The order of the elements in the formula can vary, but it is common to write the element that is furthest to the left and top of the periodic table first.

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Key Concepts

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

Chemical Formula

A chemical formula is a symbolic representation of a chemical compound, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For example, H2O represents water, showing that it contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Understanding how to derive chemical formulas from molecular models is essential for accurately describing substances in chemistry.

Molecular Models

Molecular models are three-dimensional representations of molecules that help visualize their structure and spatial arrangement. These models can be ball-and-stick, space-filling, or other types, each providing insights into the molecule's geometry and bonding. Recognizing how to interpret these models is crucial for translating them into chemical formulas.

Color Codes in Chemistry

Color codes in chemistry are used to represent different elements or types of atoms in molecular models, aiding in the identification of components. For instance, in many models, carbon is often represented by black or gray, while oxygen is red. Familiarity with these color codes is important for accurately writing chemical formulas based on visual representations.

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