What are likely formulas for the following molecules?(a) CH₂Clɂ (b) BHɂ (c) NIɂ (d) SiClɂ

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the problem. We are given a set of molecular formulas with a placeholder 'ɂ' and need to determine the likely complete formulas.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the placeholder 'ɂ' likely represents a subscript number indicating the number of atoms of the element it follows.
3. Step 3: Consider common valencies and bonding patterns for each element to deduce the most likely subscript.
4. Step 4: For each molecule, determine the most stable and common molecular structure based on typical chemical bonding rules.
5. Step 5: Write the complete molecular formula for each molecule by replacing 'ɂ' with the appropriate subscript number based on your analysis.

Key Concepts

Molecular Formulas

A molecular formula represents the number and types of atoms in a molecule. It is expressed using chemical symbols and subscripts, indicating how many of each atom are present. For example, in CH₂Cl₂, 'C' stands for carbon, 'H' for hydrogen, and 'Cl' for chlorine, with subscripts showing the quantity of each atom.

Valency and Bonding

Valency refers to the ability of an atom to bond with other atoms, determined by the number of electrons in its outer shell. Understanding valency is crucial for predicting how atoms combine to form molecules. For instance, carbon typically has a valency of four, allowing it to form four bonds, while chlorine has a valency of one.

Common Chemical Notation

Chemical notation is a system of symbols used to represent chemical substances and their interactions. It includes the use of subscripts for the number of atoms and prefixes for molecular structures. Familiarity with this notation helps in interpreting and writing chemical formulas accurately, which is essential for identifying the correct formulas for the given molecules.