Skip to main content
Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 75d,e,f

Give the name or chemical formula, as appropriate, for each of the following acids: (d) hypochlorous acid (e) iodic acid (f) sulfurous acid.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the prefix 'hypo-' and the root 'chlor-' in the name 'hypochlorous acid'. The prefix 'hypo-' indicates one oxygen atom less than the 'ous' acid.
Recognize that 'ous' in the acid name typically corresponds to an acid containing the anion ending in '-ite'.
Combine the information to determine the anion: since 'chlor-' refers to chlorine and the acid has 'hypo-' and 'ous', the corresponding anion is 'chlorite', which is reduced by one oxygen to form 'hypochlorite'.
Write the formula for the hypochlorite ion, which is ClO-. This is derived from removing one oxygen from the chlorite ion (ClO2-).
Combine the hypochlorite ion with hydrogen to form the acid. The chemical formula for hypochlorous acid is HClO.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
52s
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
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 depends on the anion present. For example, acids derived from anions ending in '-ate' typically have names ending in '-ic,' while those from anions ending in '-ite' end in '-ous.' Understanding this naming convention is essential for identifying acids correctly.
Recommended video:

Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with the chemical formula HClO. It is formed from the hypochlorite ion (ClO-). This acid is commonly found in household bleach and is known for its disinfectant properties. Recognizing its formula and structure is crucial for understanding its behavior in chemical reactions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:09
Acid Structure Example

Chemical Formulas and Structure

Chemical formulas represent the composition of a substance, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For hypochlorous acid, HClO indicates one hydrogen atom, one chlorine atom, and one oxygen atom. Understanding how to interpret chemical formulas helps in predicting the properties and reactions of the acid.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:00
Structural Formula
Related Practice
Textbook Question

In a series of experiments, a chemist prepared three different compounds that contain only iodine and fluorine and determined the mass of each element in each compound: Compound Mass of Iodine (g) Mass of Fluorine (g) 1 4.75 3.56 2 7.64 3.43 3 9.41 9.86 (a) Calculate the mass of fluorine per gram of iodine in Compound 3.

742
views
Textbook Question

Identify the element represented by each of the following symbols and give the number of protons and neutrons in each: (b) 12753X (c) 8636X (d) 6730X

520
views
Textbook Question

Predict whether each of the following compounds is molecular or ionic: (f) K2O2 (g) PCl5

532
views
Textbook Question

Provide the name or chemical formula, as appropriate, for each of the following acids: (a) hydroiodic acid (b) chloric acid (c) nitrous acid

569
views
Textbook Question

Write the chemical formula for each substance mentioned in the following word descriptions (use the front inside cover to find the symbols for the elements you do not know). (b) On treatment with hydrofluoric acid, silicon dioxide forms silicon tetrafluoride and water. (use the front inside cover to find the symbols for the elements you do not know). (c) Sulfur dioxide reacts with water to form sulfurous acid. (use the front inside cover to find the symbols for the elements you do not know). (d) The substance phosphorus trihydride, commonly called phosphine, is a toxic gas. (e) Perchloric acid reacts with cadmium to form cadmium(II) perchlorate.

834
views
Textbook Question

Give the name or chemical formula, as appropriate, for each of the following binary molecular substances: (c) XeO3 (d) dinitrogen tetroxide (e) hydrogen cyanide

803
views