Complete the exercises below. b. Determine the number of hydroxide ions in the chemical formula of the mineral pyrophyllite, Al₂(Si₂O₅)₂(OH)ₓ.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the chemical formula of pyrophyllite: Al₂(Si₂O₅)₂(OH)ₓ.
2. Recognize that the subscript 'x' in (OH)ₓ represents the number of hydroxide ions in the formula.
3. Understand that the chemical formula provides the ratio of atoms in the compound, and the subscript 'x' indicates how many hydroxide ions are present.
4. To determine the value of 'x', you may need additional information such as the charge balance or empirical data about the mineral.
5. If no additional information is provided, the problem may be asking for a theoretical understanding of how to interpret the formula, focusing on the role of 'x' in representing the number of hydroxide ions.

Key Concepts

Chemical Formula Interpretation

Understanding a chemical formula is crucial for identifying the components of a compound. In the formula Al₂(Si₂O₅)₂(OH)ₓ, each part represents different elements and their quantities. The subscript numbers indicate how many atoms of each element are present, which is essential for determining the overall composition of the mineral.

Hydroxide Ion (OH⁻)

A hydroxide ion (OH⁻) consists of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom, carrying a negative charge. Hydroxide ions are important in various chemical reactions, particularly in acid-base chemistry. In the context of pyrophyllite, the value of 'x' in the formula indicates the number of hydroxide ions present, which contributes to the mineral's properties.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on the conservation of mass. It allows chemists to determine the relationships between different substances in a reaction. In this case, stoichiometry helps in calculating the number of hydroxide ions in pyrophyllite by analyzing the overall formula and the contributions of each component.