Select all the correct answers.
Which statements correctly match a chemical name with its formula? Use the list of polyatomic ions and the periodic table to help you answer.
A. The chemical formula for ammonium carbonate is $NH_4HCO_3$.
B. The chemical formula for ammonium hypochlorite is $NH_4ClO$.
C. The chemical formula for ammonium nitrate is $NH_4NO_3$.
D. The chemical formula for ammonium phosphate is $NH_4(PO_4)_3$.
E. The chemical formula for ammonium sulfate is $(NH_4)_2SO_3$.
Answer (1)
Ammonium carbonate is ( N H 4 ) 2 C O 3 , so N H 4 H C O 3 is incorrect.
Ammonium hypochlorite is N H 4 ClO , so N H 4 ClO is correct.
Ammonium nitrate is N H 4 N O 3 , so N H 4 N O 3 is correct.
Ammonium phosphate is ( N H 4 ) 3 P O 4 , so N H 4 ( P O 4 ) 3 is incorrect.
Ammonium sulfate is ( N H 4 ) 2 S O 4 , so ( N H 4 ) 2 S O 3 is incorrect.
The correct statements are ammonium hypochlorite ( N H 4 ClO ) and ammonium nitrate ( N H 4 N O 3 ).
Explanation
Problem Analysis We need to determine which of the given chemical formulas are correct by comparing them to the actual chemical formulas.
Determining Correct Formulas
Ammonium Carbonate: Ammonium is N H 4 + and carbonate is C O 3 2 − . To balance the charges, we need two ammonium ions for each carbonate ion. Therefore, the correct formula is ( N H 4 ) 2 C O 3 . The given formula N H 4 H C O 3 is incorrect.
Ammonium Hypochlorite: Ammonium is N H 4 + and hypochlorite is Cl O − . Since the charges are already balanced, the correct formula is N H 4 ClO . The given formula N H 4 ClO is correct.
Ammonium Nitrate: Ammonium is N H 4 + and nitrate is N O 3 − . Since the charges are already balanced, the correct formula is N H 4 N O 3 . The given formula N H 4 N O 3 is correct.
Ammonium Phosphate: Ammonium is N H 4 + and phosphate is P O 4 3 − . To balance the charges, we need three ammonium ions for each phosphate ion. Therefore, the correct formula is ( N H 4 ) 3 P O 4 . The given formula N H 4 ( P O 4 ) 3 is incorrect.
Ammonium Sulfate: Ammonium is N H 4 + and sulfate is S O 4 2 − . To balance the charges, we need two ammonium ions for each sulfate ion. Therefore, the correct formula is ( N H 4 ) 2 S O 4 . The given formula ( N H 4 ) 2 S O 3 is incorrect.
Final Answer Based on the analysis, the correct statements are:
The chemical formula for ammonium hypochlorite is N H 4 ClO .
The chemical formula for ammonium nitrate is N H 4 N O 3 .
Examples
Understanding chemical formulas is crucial in various fields. For instance, in agriculture, knowing the correct formula for fertilizers like ammonium nitrate ( N H 4 N O 3 ) helps farmers apply the right amount to their crops, ensuring optimal growth without causing environmental damage. Similarly, in medicine, accurate chemical formulas are essential for preparing medications and understanding their interactions within the body. This knowledge forms the foundation for safe and effective practices in both agriculture and medicine.
