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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 76e

Provide the name or chemical formula, as appropriate, for each of the following acids: (e) HClO4

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1
Identify the chemical formula given: HClO_4.
Recognize that HClO_4 is an oxyacid, which contains hydrogen, chlorine, and oxygen.
Determine the name of the acid based on the number of oxygen atoms and the central atom (chlorine in this case).
Recall that acids with the central atom chlorine and four oxygen atoms are named as 'perchloric acid'.
Conclude that the name of the acid HClO_4 is 'perchloric acid'.

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Key Concepts

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

Acid Naming Conventions

Acids are named based on their anions. For oxyacids, if the anion ends in '-ate', the acid name will end in '-ic', while if it ends in '-ite', the acid name will end in '-ous'. In this case, HClO4 contains the anion ClO4-, which is called perchlorate, leading to the acid being named perchloric acid.
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Chemical Formulas of Acids

The chemical formula of an acid typically includes hydrogen (H) atoms bonded to an anion. For example, HClO4 consists of one hydrogen atom and the perchlorate ion (ClO4-). Understanding how to derive the formula from the acid's name is essential for identifying its chemical structure.
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Properties of Strong Acids

Strong acids, such as perchloric acid (HClO4), completely dissociate in water, releasing all their hydrogen ions (H+). This property is crucial for predicting the behavior of acids in chemical reactions, including their reactivity and pH levels in solution.
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