Chapter 1, Problem 1.85EP

On the basis of the given information, determine the numerical value of the subscript x in each of the following chemical formulas.

1. a. BaS₂O_x; formula unit contains 6 atoms
2. b. Al₂(SO_x)₃; formula unit contains 17 atoms
3. c. SO_xCl_x; formula unit contains 5 atoms
4. d. C_xH_2xCl_x; formula unit contains 8 atoms

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The value of subscript “x” in the given chemical formula, $Ba{S}_2{O}_x$ as to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The composition of a chemical compound can be presented in a very precise was with the use of chemical formula.  Chemical formula uses chemical symbols of the elements that is present in the compound and numerical subscripts that represent how many number of atoms of each element is present in the compound.

Answer to Problem 1.85EP

The value of subscript “x” is found to be 3.

Explanation of Solution

Given molecule is $Ba{S}_2{O}_x$.  This is said to contain six atoms per formula unit.  Therefore, the total number of atoms is 6.

Considering this the value of “x” can be found out as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}Totalnumberofatoms=1Ba\text{}atom+2Satoms+xOatoms\\ 6=3+x\\ x=6-3\\ x=3\end{array}$

The value of subscript “x” is found to be 3.  The chemical formula can be given as $Ba{S}_2{O}_3$.

Conclusion

Value of subscript “x” is determined.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The value of subscript “x” in the given chemical formula, $A{l}_2{(S{O}_x)}_3$ as to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The composition of a chemical compound can be presented in a very precise was with the use of chemical formula.  Chemical formula uses chemical symbols of the elements that is present in the compound and numerical subscripts that represent how many number of atoms of each element is present in the compound.

Answer to Problem 1.85EP

The value of subscript “x” is found to be 4.

Explanation of Solution

Given molecule is $A{l}_2{(S{O}_x)}_3$.  This is said to contain seventeen atoms per formula unit.  Therefore, the total number of atoms is 17.

Considering this the value of “x” can be found out as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}Totalnumberofatoms=2Al\text{}atoms+3Satoms+3xOatoms\\ 17=5+3x\\ 3x=17-5\\ 3x=12\\ x=4\end{array}$

The value of subscript “x” is found to be 4.  The chemical formula can be given as $A{l}_2{(S{O}_4)}_3$.

Conclusion

Value of subscript “x” is determined.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The value of subscript “x” in the given chemical formula, $S{O}_{x}C{l}_x$ as to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The composition of a chemical compound can be presented in a very precise was with the use of chemical formula.  Chemical formula uses chemical symbols of the elements that is present in the compound and numerical subscripts that represent how many number of atoms of each element is present in the compound.

Answer to Problem 1.85EP

The value of subscript “x” is found to be 2.

Explanation of Solution

Given molecule is $S{O}_{x}C{l}_x$.  This is said to contain five atoms per formula unit.  Therefore, the total number of atoms is 5.

Considering this the value of “x” can be found out as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}Totalnumberofatoms=1S\text{}atom+xOatom+xClatom\\ 5=1+2x\\ 2x=5-1\\ 2x=4\\ x=2\end{array}$

The value of subscript “x” is found to be 2.  The chemical formula can be given as $S{O}_{2}C{l}_2$.

Conclusion

Value of subscript “x” is determined.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The value of subscript “x” in the given chemical formula, $C_x{H}_{2x}C{l}_x$ as to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The composition of a chemical compound can be presented in a very precise was with the use of chemical formula.  Chemical formula uses chemical symbols of the elements that is present in the compound and numerical subscripts that represent how many number of atoms of each element is present in the compound.

Answer to Problem 1.85EP

The value of subscript “x” is found to be 2.

Explanation of Solution

Given molecule is $C_x{H}_{2x}C{l}_x$.  This is said to contain eight atoms per formula unit.  Therefore, the total number of atoms is 8.

Considering this the value of “x” can be found out as shown below,

    $\begin{array}{l}Totalnumberofatoms=xC\text{}atom+2xHatoms+xClatom\\ 8=4x\\ x=8/4\\ x=2\end{array}$

The value of subscript “x” is found to be 2.  The chemical formula can be given as $C_2{H}_{4}C{l}_2$.

Conclusion

Value of subscript “x” is determined.