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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 54

Write the molecular and structural formulas for the compounds represented by the following models:
3D model of a chemical compound for molecular formula analysis in general chemistry.

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1
Identify the atoms in the model: The model contains carbon (gray), hydrogen (white), nitrogen (blue), and oxygen (red) atoms.
Count the number of each type of atom: There are 2 carbon atoms, 5 hydrogen atoms, 1 nitrogen atom, and 1 oxygen atom.
Determine the molecular formula: Combine the counts of each type of atom to form the molecular formula.
Analyze the structure: Identify the connectivity of the atoms. The nitrogen atom is bonded to two carbon atoms, one of which is bonded to an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom.
Write the structural formula: Based on the connectivity, draw the structural formula showing the arrangement of atoms and bonds.

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Key Concepts

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

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound indicates the number and types of atoms present in a molecule. It is expressed using chemical symbols and subscripts, where each symbol represents an element and the subscript denotes the number of atoms of that element. For example, the molecular formula C2H6O indicates a molecule containing two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.
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Structural Formula

The structural formula provides a visual representation of the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, showing how atoms are bonded to each other. It can depict single, double, or triple bonds and may include information about the geometry of the molecule. This is crucial for understanding the compound's reactivity and properties, as the arrangement of atoms affects how the molecule interacts with others.
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Chemical Bonding

Chemical bonding refers to the forces that hold atoms together in a molecule. The main types of bonds include covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons, and ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred between atoms. Understanding the type of bonding in a compound is essential for predicting its behavior, stability, and reactivity, as well as for deriving its molecular and structural formulas.
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