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Chapter 2: Problem 57

Explain why the formula \(\mathrm{HCl}\) can represent two different chemical systems.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The formula \( \mathrm{HCl} \) can represent two different chemical systems because in the gas phase, \( \mathrm{HCl} \) represents a neutral molecular system, whereas in an aqueous solution, \( \mathrm{HCl} \) dissociates into ions, therefore representing an ionic system.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Nature of HCl

The formula \( \mathrm{HCl} \) can represent two different chemical systems due to its nature. This chemical compound can be a molecule and also an ion, depending on its state and environment.
02

HCl as a Molecule

In the gas phase, atoms of hydrogen \( \mathrm{(H)} \) and chlorine \( \mathrm{(Cl)} \) are bonded together to form a molecule of hydrogen chloride. This molecule is neutral overall, with no charge, as the bonding electron is shared between the two atoms. Hence, the formula represents a molecular system in this case.
03

HCl as an Ion

However, in an aqueous solution, hydrogen chloride \( \mathrm{HCl} \) ionises to produce a hydrogen \( \mathrm{H^{+}} \) ion and a chloride \( \mathrm{Cl^{-}} \) ion. So, in this situation, the formula \( \mathrm{HCl} \) represents an ionic system as it's dissociated into ions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The diameter of a helium atom is about \(1 \times 10^{2} \mathrm{pm}\). Suppose that we could line up helium atoms side by side in contact with one another. Approximately how many atoms would it take to make the distance from end to end \(1 \mathrm{~cm} ?\)

Give an example of a case in which two molecules have different molecular formulas but the same empirical formula.

Give an example of each of the following: (a) a monatomic cation, (b) a monatomic anion, (c) a polyatomic cation, (d) a polyatomic anion.

Compare the properties of the following: \(\alpha\) particles, cathode rays, protons, neutrons, electrons.

Ethane and acetylene are two gaseous hydrocarbons. Chemical analyses show that in one sample of ethane, \(2.65 \mathrm{~g}\) of carbon are combined with \(0.665 \mathrm{~g}\)of hydrogen, and in one sample of acetylene, \(4.56 \mathrm{~g}\) of carbon are combined with \(0.383 \mathrm{~g}\) of hydrogen. (a) Are these results consistent with the law of multiple proportions? (b) Write reasonable molecular formulas for these compounds.
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