Chapter U1.21, Problem 1TAI

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The method to obtain the chemical formula from the name of a compound needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Chemical formula is the representation of a chemical compound which shows the stoichiometry of all the participating atoms.

Answer to Problem 1TAI

From the valency of an atom the number of participating electrons can be obtained which can help to find the name of the compound and their chemical formulas.

Explanation of Solution

For example sodium has valency one and it produces sodium cation.

Chlorine has valency one and it produces chloride ion. So to make the compound overall neutral, one sodium and one chlorine atom must combine to produce sodium chloride (NaCl).

Similarly calcium has valency 2 and chlorine has valency 1. So, to make the compound neutral, one calcium ion will need two chloride ions. Thus, formula is CaCl₂. Name is of the compound is calcium chloride which is obtained from the name of the participating atoms.

Conclusion

Chemical formula and name of a compound can be predicted from the valency of participating atoms.