Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition

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Brown 15th Edition

Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

Problem 51

Chapter 2, Problem 51

How many hydrogen atoms are in each of the following: (a) C₂H₅OH? (b) Ca(C₂H₅COO)₂? (c) (NH₄)₃PO₄?

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the chemical formula given: \( \text{Ca}_1\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{COO}_2 \).

Recognize that the formula represents a compound with calcium (Ca), carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).

Break down the formula to understand the structure: \( \text{Ca} \) is a single calcium atom, \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{COO}_2 \) indicates two acetate groups.

Each acetate group \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{COO} \) contains 5 hydrogen atoms.

Since there are two acetate groups, multiply the number of hydrogen atoms in one group by 2 to find the total number of hydrogen atoms in the compound.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Formula Interpretation

Understanding chemical formulas is essential for identifying the number of atoms of each element in a compound. In the formula Ca1C2H5COO2, the subscripts indicate the number of each type of atom present. For example, 'C2' means there are two carbon atoms, while 'H5' indicates five hydrogen atoms.

Counting Atoms in Polyatomic Ions

Polyatomic ions, such as COO2 (the acetate ion), can contain multiple atoms of different elements. Recognizing that COO2 consists of two oxygen atoms and one carbon atom is crucial for accurate atom counting. This understanding helps in determining the total number of hydrogen atoms in the entire compound.

Valency and Hydrogen Atoms

The concept of valency helps in understanding how many hydrogen atoms can bond with other elements in a compound. In organic compounds, hydrogen typically forms one bond. Therefore, knowing the structure and bonding of the compound allows for the correct identification of hydrogen atoms, which is vital for solving the question.

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Fill in the gaps in the following table:

Symbol 31P3-

Protons 34 50

Neutrons 45 69 118

Electrons 46 76