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Chapter 2: Problem 54

What is wrong or ambiguous about these descriptions? (a) \(1 \mathrm{~g}\) of hydrogen, \((\mathrm{b})\) four molecules of \(\mathrm{NaCl}\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
Description (a) is ambiguous as it is not clear whether it refers to the Hydrogen gas (H2) or an atom of Hydrogen (H). Description (b) is erroneous as Sodium Chloride (NaCl) rather than existing as individual molecules, forms an ionic lattice.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the description ambiguity in (a)

The first ambiguity revolves around the description of '1 g of hydrogen'. One gram of hydrogen is ambiguous as it does not specify whether it refers to the hydrogen gas (H2) or an atom of hydrogen (H). In chemistry, it's essential to be specific about the forms of elements being referred to, as their properties can differ substantially.
02

Identify the description ambiguity in (b)

The second ambiguity is found in 'four molecules of NaCl'. Sodium chloride (NaCl) does not exist as individual molecules. Instead, it forms an Ionic lattice in which each sodium atom is surrounded by six chloride atoms, and each chloride atom is surrounded by six sodium ions. Thus, describing NaCl in terms of molecules is misleading and scientifically incorrect.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Write the chemical formulas and names of acids that contain Group 7 A elements. Do the same for elements in Groups \(3 \mathrm{~A}, 4 \mathrm{~A}, 5 \mathrm{~A},\) and \(6 \mathrm{~A}\).

Draw two different structural formulas based on the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}\). Is the fact that you can have more than one compound with the same molecular formula consistent with Dalton's atomic theory?

Explain why the chemical formulas of ionic compounds are usually the same as their empirical formulas.

Identify each of the following elements: (a) a halogen whose anion contains 36 electrons, (b) a radioactive noble gas with 86 protons, (c) a Group \(6 \mathrm{~A}\) element whose anion contains 36 electrons, (d) an alkali metal cation that contains 36 electrons, (e) a Group 4 A cation that contains 80 electrons.

What are allotropes? Give an example. How are allotropes different from isotopes?
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