Write the formula for each acid. a. hydrofluoric acid b. hydrobromic acid c. sulfurous acid

Learning how to write chemical formulas for acids is a fundamental skill in chemistry, as it allows us to communicate and understand the composition of these substances. Acids are typically classified into two categories: Oxyacids, which contain hydrogen, oxygen, and another element, and Binary acids, consisting of hydrogen and one other non-metal element.

For binary acids like hydrofluoric and hydrobromic acid, the formula starts with hydrogen (H) and then includes the anion formed from the non-metal element. Usually, when the name of an acid begins with 'hydro-', we know that it's a binary acid. The 'hydro-' prefix helps to indicate that the acid consists of only hydrogen and one other element, without any oxygen.

To master the hydrofluoric acid formula, remember that its core components are hydrogen and fluoride. The step-by-step solution provided for hydrofluoric acid starts with identifying fluoride as the anion when it's paired with hydrogen in an acid. Fluoride comes from fluorine, which belongs to the halogen group on the periodic table.

Key Elements of Hydrofluoric Acid

• Hydrogen (H): Essential in all acid formulas, indicating its acidic property.
• Fluoride (F): The anion derived from fluorine, central to forming hydrofluoric acid.

The resulting formula for hydrofluoric acid is HF, representing a bond between hydrogen and fluoride. Hydrofluoric acid is well-known for its ability to dissolve glass, which is due to its reactivity with silicon dioxide.

Hydrobromic acid, much like hydrofluoric acid, follows the binary acid pattern with the 'hydro-' prefix. Identifying the non-metal element bromine, which when combined with hydrogen forms hydrobromic acid, leads us to the formula HBr. This simple combination showcases the compound's strong acidic nature, frequently used in organic chemistry synthesizes.

However, when we look at sulfurous acid, it deviates from the binary acid structure. Sulfurous acid is an oxyacid, which includes both hydrogen and oxygen; in this case, it partners with the sulfite ion (SO3). The formula H2SO3 indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms, reflecting the ability to donate two protons, which signifies its diprotic nature. These acids serve important roles in both industrial processes and environmental phenomena.

Distinguishing Features

• Binary Acids: Hydrobromic acid (HBr) has a straightforward binary composition without oxygen.
• Oxyacids: Sulfurous acid (H2SO3) includes the sulfite anion (SO3), signaling the presence of a third element — oxygen.