Refer to the nomenclature flowchart (Figure 3.11) to name each compound. a. HNO₂(aq)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of compound: HNO_2(aq) is an oxyacid because it contains hydrogen, oxygen, and another element (nitrogen).
2. Determine the polyatomic ion present: The polyatomic ion in HNO_2 is nitrite (NO_2^-).
3. Use the naming rule for oxyacids: If the polyatomic ion ends in '-ite', the acid name will end in '-ous acid'.
4. Combine the root of the polyatomic ion with the appropriate suffix: The root for nitrite is 'nitr-', and since it ends in '-ite', the acid name will be 'nitrous acid'.
5. Write the full name of the compound: HNO_2(aq) is named 'nitrous acid'.

Key Concepts

Acid-Base Nomenclature

Acid-base nomenclature is a system used to name acids based on their composition and the presence of certain functional groups. For example, binary acids (like HCl) are named with the prefix 'hydro-' followed by the root of the anion and the suffix '-ic.' Oxyacids, which contain oxygen, are named based on the polyatomic ion present, using '-ic' for those ending in '-ate' and '-ous' for those ending in '-ite.'

Chemical Formula Interpretation

Understanding chemical formulas is crucial for identifying the composition and structure of a compound. In the case of HNO2, the formula indicates that the compound consists of one hydrogen atom, one nitrogen atom, and two oxygen atoms. This information helps in determining the type of acid and its corresponding name based on the rules of nomenclature.

Aqueous Solutions

An aqueous solution is a solution in which water is the solvent. The notation (aq) indicates that the compound is dissolved in water, which can affect its properties and behavior. For acids like HNO2, being in an aqueous solution means it can dissociate into ions, influencing its naming and classification as a weak acid due to its partial ionization in water.