Select all the correct answers.



Which acids have hydro- as part of their name?


A$H _2 SO _3$
BHBr
C$HClO _2$
DHF
E$HNO _3$

Verified Answer :

  • Binary acids containing only hydrogen and a non-metal are named with the "hydro-" prefix followed by the element root and the "-ic acid" suffix.
  • Oxyacids contain oxygen and are named based on their polyatomic ions (ending in "-ous acid" or "-ic acid"), which do not include "hydro-".
  • Comparing the given compounds, \(HBr\) and \(HF\) are binary acids.
  • The acids with "hydro-" as part of their name are \(\boxed{HBr, HF}\).

Explanation

  1. Analyzing the Chemical Composition and Naming Conventions

The naming of inorganic acids depends on their composition. In general chemistry, acids are categorized into two primary types based on the presence of oxygen: binary acids and oxyacids.

  1. Binary Acids: These consist of hydrogen and a single non-metal element (e.g., halogens). According to nomenclature rules, their names are constructed by adding the prefix "hydro-" to the root of the non-metal name and suffixing it with "-ic acid".
  2. Oxyacids: These contain hydrogen, oxygen, and another element (often from a polyatomic ion). Their names are derived from the polyatomic ion: ions ending in "-ite" form acids ending in "-ous acid", and ions ending in "-ate" form acids ending in "-ic acid". They do not use the "hydro-" prefix.

Let's evaluate each provided compound:

  • \(H_2SO_3\): This is sulfurous acid. It contains oxygen, making it an oxyacid. Thus, it does not have the "hydro-" prefix.
  • \(HBr\): This is a binary acid composed of hydrogen and bromine. It is named hydrobromic acid. It has the "hydro-" prefix.
  • \(HClO_2\): This is chlorous acid. It is an oxyacid. Thus, it does not have the "hydro-" prefix.
  • \(HF\): This is a binary acid composed of hydrogen and fluorine. It is named hydrofluoric acid. It has the "hydro-" prefix.
  • \(HNO_3\): This is nitric acid. It is an oxyacid. Thus, it does not have the "hydro-" prefix.
  1. Identifying the Correct Acids

Based on our analysis, the acids that follow the "hydro-" naming convention because they are binary acids are \(HBr\) and \(HF\). The other acids (\(H_2SO_3\), \(HClO_2\), \(HNO_3\)) are oxyacids and do not include this prefix. Therefore, the correct selections are \(HBr\) and \(HF\).

Examples

Understanding how to name chemical compounds is vital for clear communication in science. For example, if a chemist is ordering supplies for an experiment, knowing the difference between 'hydrobromic acid' and 'bromic acid' prevents confusion, as they are distinct substances with different properties. This systematic approach to naming, known as IUPAC nomenclature, ensures that every chemical compound has a unique and descriptive name that reflects its composition.