Give the name or chemical formula, as appropriate, for each of the following acids: (d) hypochlorous acid (e) iodic acid (f) sulfurous acid.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the prefix 'hypo-' and the root 'chlor-' in the name 'hypochlorous acid'. The prefix 'hypo-' indicates one oxygen atom less than the 'ous' acid.
2. Recognize that 'ous' in the acid name typically corresponds to an acid containing the anion ending in '-ite'.
3. Combine the information to determine the anion: since 'chlor-' refers to chlorine and the acid has 'hypo-' and 'ous', the corresponding anion is 'chlorite', which is reduced by one oxygen to form 'hypochlorite'.
4. Write the formula for the hypochlorite ion, which is ClO-. This is derived from removing one oxygen from the chlorite ion (ClO2-).
5. Combine the hypochlorite ion with hydrogen to form the acid. The chemical formula for hypochlorous acid is HClO.

Key Concepts

Acids and Their Nomenclature

Acids are substances that can donate protons (H+) in a solution. Their nomenclature depends on the anion present. For example, acids derived from anions ending in '-ate' typically have names ending in '-ic,' while those from anions ending in '-ite' end in '-ous.' Understanding this naming convention is essential for identifying acids correctly.

Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with the chemical formula HClO. It is formed from the hypochlorite ion (ClO-). This acid is commonly found in household bleach and is known for its disinfectant properties. Recognizing its formula and structure is crucial for understanding its behavior in chemical reactions.

Chemical Formulas and Structure

Chemical formulas represent the composition of a substance, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For hypochlorous acid, HClO indicates one hydrogen atom, one chlorine atom, and one oxygen atom. Understanding how to interpret chemical formulas helps in predicting the properties and reactions of the acid.