Atom, Molecul and Ion

Chapter 2 Atoms, Molecules, and Ions 67
Chapter 2
Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Figure 2.1 Analysis of molecules in an exhaled breath can provide valuable information, leading to early diagnosis
of diseases or detection of environmental exposure to harmful substances. (credit: modification of work by Paul
Flowers)
Chapter Outline
2.1 Early Ideas in Atomic Theory
2.2 Evolution of Atomic Theory
2.3 Atomic Structure and Symbolism
2.4 Chemical Formulas
2.5 The Periodic Table
2.6 Molecular and Ionic Compounds
2.7 Chemical Nomenclature
Introduction
Your overall health and susceptibility to disease depends upon the complex interaction between your genetic makeup
and environmental exposure, with the outcome difficult to predict. Early detection of biomarkers, substances that
indicate an organism’s disease or physiological state, could allow diagnosis and treatment before a condition becomes
serious or irreversible. Recent studies have shown that your exhaled breath can contain molecules that may be
biomarkers for recent exposure to environmental contaminants or for pathological conditions ranging from asthma
to lung cancer. Scientists are working to develop biomarker “fingerprints” that could be used to diagnose a specific
disease based on the amounts and identities of certain molecules in a patient’s exhaled breath. An essential concept
underlying this goal is that of a molecule’s identity, which is determined by the numbers and types of atoms it
contains, and how they are bonded together. This chapter will describe some of the fundamental chemical principles
related to the composition of matter, including those central to the concept of molecular identity.
68 Chapter 2 Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• State the postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory
• Use postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory to explain the laws of definite and multiple proportions
The language used in chemistry is seen and heard in many disciplines, ranging from medicine to engineering to
forensics to art. The language of chemistry includes its own vocabulary as well as its own form of shorthand.
Chemical symbols are used to represent atoms and elements. Chemical formulas depict molecules as well as the
composition of compounds. Chemical equations provide information about the quality and quantity of the changes
associated with chemical reactions.
This chapter will lay the foundation for our study of the language of chemistry. The concepts of this foundation
include the atomic theory, the composition and mass of an atom, the variability of the composition of isotopes, ion
formation, chemical bonds in ionic and covalent compounds, the types of chemical reactions, and the naming of
compounds. We will also introduce one of the most powerful tools for organizing chemical knowledge: the periodic
table.
Atomic Theory through the Nineteenth Century

The earliest recorded discussion of the basic structure of matter comes from ancient Greek philosophers, the scientists
of their day. In the fifth century BC, Leucippus and Democritus argued that all matter was composed of small, finite
particles that they called atomos, a term derived from the Greek word for “indivisible.” They thought of atoms as
moving particles that differed in shape and size, and which could join together. Later, Aristotle and others came to
the conclusion that matter consisted of various combinations of the four “elements”—fire, earth, air, and water—and
could be infinitely divided. Interestingly, these philosophers thought about atoms and “elements” as philosophical
concepts, but apparently never considered performing experiments to test their ideas.
The Aristotelian view of the composition of matter held sway for over two thousand years, until English schoolteacher
John Dalton helped to revolutionize chemistry with his hypothesis that the behavior of matter could be explained
using an atomic theory. First published in 1807, many of Dalton’s hypotheses about the microscopic features of matter
are still valid in modern atomic theory. Here are the postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory.
1. Matter is composed of exceedingly small particles called atoms. An atom is the smallest unit of an element
that can participate in a chemical change.
2. An element consists of only one type of atom, which has a mass that is characteristic of the element and is the
same for all atoms of that element (Figure 2.2). A macroscopic sample of an element contains an incredibly
large number of atoms, all of which have identical chemical properties.
Figure 2.2 A pre-1982 copper penny (left) contains approximately 3 × 1022 copper atoms (several dozen
are represented as brown spheres at the right), each of which has the same chemical properties. (credit:
modification of work by “slgckgc”/Flickr)
3. Atoms of one element differ in properties from atoms of all other elements.
This content is available for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11760/1.9

4. A compound consists of atoms of two or more elements combined in a small, whole-number ratio. In a given
compound, the numbers of atoms of each of its elements are always present in the same ratio (Figure 2.3).
Figure 2.3 Copper(II) oxide, a powdery, black compound, results from the combination of two types of
atoms—copper (brown spheres) and oxygen (red spheres)—in a 1:1 ratio. (credit: modification of work by
“Chemicalinterest”/Wikimedia Commons)
5. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed during a chemical change, but are instead rearranged to yield
substances that are different from those present before the change (Figure 2.4).
Figure 2.4 When the elements copper (a shiny, red-brown solid, shown here as brown spheres) and oxygen
(a clear and colorless gas, shown here as red spheres) react, their atoms rearrange to form a compound
containing copper and oxygen (a powdery, black solid). (credit copper: modification of work by http://images-
of-elements.com/copper.php)
Dalton’s atomic theory provides a microscopic explanation of the many macroscopic properties of matter that you’ve
learned about. For example, if an element such as copper consists of only one kind of atom, then it cannot be broken
down into simpler substances, that is, into substances composed of fewer types of atoms. And if atoms are neither
created nor destroyed during a chemical change, then the total mass of matter present when matter changes from one
type to another will remain constant (the law of conservation of matter).
Example 2.1
Testing Dalton’s Atomic Theory

In the following drawing, the green spheres represent atoms of a certain element. The purple spheres
represent atoms of another element. If the spheres touch, they are part of a single unit of a compound. Does
the following chemical change represented by these symbols violate any of the ideas of Dalton’s atomic
theory? If so, which one?
Solution
The starting materials consist of two green spheres and two purple spheres. The products consist of only
one green sphere and one purple sphere. This violates Dalton’s postulate that atoms are neither created nor
destroyed during a chemical change, but are merely redistributed. (In this case, atoms appear to have been
destroyed.)
Check Your Learning
In the following drawing, the green spheres represent atoms of a certain element. The purple spheres
represent atoms of another element. If the spheres touch, they are part of a single unit of a compound. Does
the following chemical change represented by these symbols violate any of the ideas of Dalton’s atomic
theory? If so, which one?
Answer: The starting materials consist of four green spheres and two purple spheres. The products consist
of four green spheres and two purple spheres. This does not violate any of Dalton’s postulates: Atoms are
neither created nor destroyed, but are redistributed in small, whole-number ratios.
Dalton knew of the experiments of French chemist Joseph Proust, who demonstrated that all samples of a pure
compound contain the same elements in the same proportion by mass. This statement is known as the law of definite
proportions or the law of constant composition. The suggestion that the numbers of atoms of the elements in a given
compound always exist in the same ratio is consistent with these observations. For example, when different samples
of isooctane (a component of gasoline and one of the standards used in the octane rating system) are analyzed, they
are found to have a carbon-to-hydrogen mass ratio of 5.33:1, as shown in Table 2.1.
Constant Composition of Isooctane
Sample Carbon Hydrogen Mass Ratio
A 14.82 g 2.78 g 14.82 g carbon 5.33 g carbon

=
2.78 g hydrogen 1.00 g hydrogen
B 22.33 g 4.19 g 22.33 g carbon 5.33 g carbon

=
C 19.40 g 3.64 g 19.40 g carbon 5.33 g carbon

=
Table 2.1

It is worth noting that although all samples of a particular compound have the same mass ratio, the converse is not
true in general. That is, samples that have the same mass ratio are not necessarily the same substance. For example,
there are many compounds other than isooctane that also have a carbon-to-hydrogen mass ratio of 5.33:1.00.
Dalton also used data from Proust, as well as results from his own experiments, to formulate another interesting law.
The law of multiple proportions states that when two elements react to form more than one compound, a fixed mass
of one element will react with masses of the other element in a ratio of small, whole numbers. For example, copper
and chlorine can form a green, crystalline solid with a mass ratio of 0.558 g chlorine to 1 g copper, as well as a
brown crystalline solid with a mass ratio of 1.116 g chlorine to 1 g copper. These ratios by themselves may not seem
particularly interesting or informative; however, if we take a ratio of these ratios, we obtain a useful and possibly
surprising result: a small, whole-number ratio.
1.116 g Cl
= 2
1 g Cu
0.558 g Cl 1
1 g Cu
This 2-to-1 ratio means that the brown compound has twice the amount of chlorine per amount of copper as the green
compound.
This can be explained by atomic theory if the copper-to-chlorine ratio in the brown compound is 1 copper atom to 2
chlorine atoms, and the ratio in the green compound is 1 copper atom to 1 chlorine atom. The ratio of chlorine atoms
(and thus the ratio of their masses) is therefore 2 to 1 (Figure 2.5).
Figure 2.5 Compared to the copper chlorine compound in (a), where copper is represented by brown spheres and
chlorine by green spheres, the copper chlorine compound in (b) has twice as many chlorine atoms per copper atom.
(credit a: modification of work by “Benjah-bmm27”/Wikimedia Commons; credit b: modification of work by
“Walkerma”/Wikimedia Commons)
Example 2.2
Laws of Definite and Multiple Proportions

A sample of compound A (a clear, colorless gas) is analyzed and found to contain 4.27 g carbon and 5.69
g oxygen. A sample of compound B (also a clear, colorless gas) is analyzed and found to contain 5.19 g
carbon and 13.84 g oxygen. Are these data an example of the law of definite proportions, the law of multiple
proportions, or neither? What do these data tell you about substances A and B?
Solution
In compound A, the mass ratio of carbon to oxygen is:
1.33 g O
1gC
In compound B, the mass ratio of carbon to oxygen is:

2.67 g O
1gC
The ratio of these ratios is:

1.33 g O
= 1
1gC
2.67 g O 2
1gC
This supports the law of multiple proportions. This means that A and B are different compounds, with A
having one-half as much carbon per amount of oxygen (or twice as much oxygen per amount of carbon) as
B. A possible pair of compounds that would fit this relationship would be A = CO2 and B = CO.
Check Your Learning
A sample of compound X (a clear, colorless, combustible liquid with a noticeable odor) is analyzed and
found to contain 14.13 g carbon and 2.96 g hydrogen. A sample of compound Y (a clear, colorless,
combustible liquid with a noticeable odor that is slightly different from X’s odor) is analyzed and found to
contain 19.91 g carbon and 3.34 g hydrogen. Are these data an example of the law of definite proportions,
the law of multiple proportions, or neither? What do these data tell you about substances X and Y?
14.13 g C
Answer: In compound X, the mass ratio of carbon to hydrogen is . In compound Y, the mass
2.96 g H
19.91 g C
ratio of carbon to oxygen is . The ratio of these ratios is
3.34 g H
14.13 g C
4.77 g C/g H
= 0.800 = 4 . This small, whole-number ratio supports the law of multiple
2.96 g H
=
19.91 g C 5.96 g C/g H 5
3.34 g H
proportions. This means that X and Y are different compounds.

• Outline milestones in the development of modern atomic theory
• Summarize and interpret the results of the experiments of Thomson, Millikan, and Rutherford
• Describe the three subatomic particles that compose atoms
• Define isotopes and give examples for several elements
In the two centuries since Dalton developed his ideas, scientists have made significant progress in furthering our
understanding of atomic theory. Much of this came from the results of several seminal experiments that revealed the
details of the internal structure of atoms. Here, we will discuss some of those key developments, with an emphasis
on application of the scientific method, as well as understanding how the experimental evidence was analyzed. While
the historical persons and dates behind these experiments can be quite interesting, it is most important to understand
the concepts resulting from their work.

Atomic Theory after the Nineteenth Century

If matter were composed of atoms, what were atoms composed of? Were they the smallest particles, or was there
something smaller? In the late 1800s, a number of scientists interested in questions like these investigated the
electrical discharges that could be produced in low-pressure gases, with the most significant discovery made by
English physicist J. J. Thomson using a cathode ray tube. This apparatus consisted of a sealed glass tube from which
almost all the air had been removed; the tube contained two metal electrodes. When high voltage was applied across
the electrodes, a visible beam called a cathode ray appeared between them. This beam was deflected toward the
positive charge and away from the negative charge, and was produced in the same way with identical properties
when different metals were used for the electrodes. In similar experiments, the ray was simultaneously deflected
by an applied magnetic field, and measurements of the extent of deflection and the magnetic field strength allowed
Thomson to calculate the charge-to-mass ratio of the cathode ray particles. The results of these measurements
indicated that these particles were much lighter than atoms (Figure 2.6).
Figure 2.6 (a) J. J. Thomson produced a visible beam in a cathode ray tube. (b) This is an early cathode ray tube,
invented in 1897 by Ferdinand Braun. (c) In the cathode ray, the beam (shown in yellow) comes from the cathode and
is accelerated past the anode toward a fluorescent scale at the end of the tube. Simultaneous deflections by applied
electric and magnetic fields permitted Thomson to calculate the mass-to-charge ratio of the particles composing the
cathode ray. (credit a: modification of work by Nobel Foundation; credit b: modification of work by Eugen Nesper;
credit c: modification of work by “Kurzon”/Wikimedia Commons)
Based on his observations, here is what Thomson proposed and why: The particles are attracted by positive (+)
charges and repelled by negative (−) charges, so they must be negatively charged (like charges repel and unlike
charges attract); they are less massive than atoms and indistinguishable, regardless of the source material, so they
must be fundamental, subatomic constituents of all atoms. Although controversial at the time, Thomson’s idea was
gradually accepted, and his cathode ray particle is what we now call an electron, a negatively charged, subatomic
particle with a mass more than one thousand-times less that of an atom. The term “electron” was coined in 1891 by
Irish physicist George Stoney, from “electric ion.”
Link to Learning
Click here (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16JJThomson) to hear Thomson

describe his discovery in his own voice.
In 1909, more information about the electron was uncovered by American physicist Robert A. Millikan via his “oil
drop” experiments. Millikan created microscopic oil droplets, which could be electrically charged by friction as they
formed or by using X-rays. These droplets initially fell due to gravity, but their downward progress could be slowed
or even reversed by an electric field lower in the apparatus. By adjusting the electric field strength and making careful
measurements and appropriate calculations, Millikan was able to determine the charge on individual drops (Figure
2.7).
Figure 2.7 Millikan’s experiment measured the charge of individual oil drops. The tabulated data are examples of a
few possible values.
Looking at the charge data that Millikan gathered, you may have recognized that the charge of an oil droplet is always
a multiple of a specific charge, 1.6 × 10−19 C. Millikan concluded that this value must therefore be a fundamental
charge—the charge of a single electron—with his measured charges due to an excess of one electron (1 times 1.6 ×
10−19 C), two electrons (2 times 1.6 × 10−19 C), three electrons (3 times 1.6 × 10−19 C), and so on, on a given oil
droplet. Since the charge of an electron was now known due to Millikan’s research, and the charge-to-mass ratio was

already known due to Thomson’s research (1.759 × 1011 C/kg), it only required a simple calculation to determine
the mass of the electron as well.
1 kg
Mass of electron = 1.602 × 10 −19 C × = 9.107 × 10 −31 kg
1.759 × 10 11 C
Scientists had now established that the atom was not indivisible as Dalton had believed, and due to the work of
Thomson, Millikan, and others, the charge and mass of the negative, subatomic particles—the electrons—were
known. However, the positively charged part of an atom was not yet well understood. In 1904, Thomson proposed
the “plum pudding” model of atoms, which described a positively charged mass with an equal amount of negative
charge in the form of electrons embedded in it, since all atoms are electrically neutral. A competing model had been
proposed in 1903 by Hantaro Nagaoka, who postulated a Saturn-like atom, consisting of a positively charged sphere
surrounded by a halo of electrons (Figure 2.8).
Figure 2.8 (a) Thomson suggested that atoms resembled plum pudding, an English dessert consisting of moist cake
with embedded raisins (“plums”). (b) Nagaoka proposed that atoms resembled the planet Saturn, with a ring of
electrons surrounding a positive “planet.” (credit a: modification of work by “Man vyi”/Wikimedia Commons; credit b:
modification of work by “NASA”/Wikimedia Commons)
The next major development in understanding the atom came from Ernest Rutherford, a physicist from New Zealand
who largely spent his scientific career in Canada and England. He performed a series of experiments using a beam of
high-speed, positively charged alpha particles (α particles) that were produced by the radioactive decay of radium;
α particles consist of two protons and two neutrons (you will learn more about radioactive decay in the chapter
on nuclear chemistry). Rutherford and his colleagues Hans Geiger (later famous for the Geiger counter) and Ernest
Marsden aimed a beam of α particles, the source of which was embedded in a lead block to absorb most of the
radiation, at a very thin piece of gold foil and examined the resultant scattering of the α particles using a luminescent
screen that glowed briefly where hit by an α particle.
What did they discover? Most particles passed right through the foil without being deflected at all. However, some
were diverted slightly, and a very small number were deflected almost straight back toward the source (Figure 2.9).
Rutherford described finding these results: “It was quite the most incredible event that has ever happened to me in
my life. It was almost as incredible as if you fired a 15-inch shell at a piece of tissue paper and it came back and hit
you”[1] (p. 68).
1. Ernest Rutherford, “The Development of the Theory of Atomic Structure,” ed. J. A. Ratcliffe, in Background to
Modern Science, eds. Joseph Needham and Walter Pagel, (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1938),
61–74. Accessed September 22, 2014, https://ia600508.us.archive.org/3/items/backgroundtomode032734mbp/
backgroundtomode032734mbp.pdf.
Figure 2.9 Geiger and Rutherford fired α particles at a piece of gold foil and detected where those particles went, as
shown in this schematic diagram of their experiment. Most of the particles passed straight through the foil, but a few
were deflected slightly and a very small number were significantly deflected.
Here is what Rutherford deduced: Because most of the fast-moving α particles passed through the gold atoms
undeflected, they must have traveled through essentially empty space inside the atom. Alpha particles are positively
charged, so deflections arose when they encountered another positive charge (like charges repel each other). Since
like charges repel one another, the few positively charged α particles that changed paths abruptly must have hit, or
closely approached, another body that also had a highly concentrated, positive charge. Since the deflections occurred
a small fraction of the time, this charge only occupied a small amount of the space in the gold foil. Analyzing a series
of such experiments in detail, Rutherford drew two conclusions:
1. The volume occupied by an atom must consist of a large amount of empty space.
2. A small, relatively heavy, positively charged body, the nucleus, must be at the center of each atom.
Link to Learning
View this simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16Rutherford) of the

Rutherford gold foil experiment. Adjust the slit width to produce a narrower or
broader beam of α particles to see how that affects the scattering pattern.
This analysis led Rutherford to propose a model in which an atom consists of a very small, positively charged nucleus,
in which most of the mass of the atom is concentrated, surrounded by the negatively charged electrons, so that the
atom is electrically neutral (Figure 2.10). After many more experiments, Rutherford also discovered that the nuclei
of other elements contain the hydrogen nucleus as a “building block,” and he named this more fundamental particle
the proton, the positively charged, subatomic particle found in the nucleus. With one addition, which you will learn
next, this nuclear model of the atom, proposed over a century ago, is still used today.

Figure 2.10 The α particles are deflected only when they collide with or pass close to the much heavier, positively
charged gold nucleus. Because the nucleus is very small compared to the size of an atom, very few α particles are
deflected. Most pass through the relatively large region occupied by electrons, which are too light to deflect the
rapidly moving particles.
Link to Learning
The Rutherford Scattering simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/

16PhetScatter) allows you to investigate the differences between a “plum pudding”
atom and a Rutherford atom by firing α particles at each type of atom.
Another important finding was the discovery of isotopes. During the early 1900s, scientists identified several
substances that appeared to be new elements, isolating them from radioactive ores. For example, a “new element”
produced by the radioactive decay of thorium was initially given the name mesothorium. However, a more detailed
analysis showed that mesothorium was chemically identical to radium (another decay product), despite having a
different atomic mass. This result, along with similar findings for other elements, led the English chemist Frederick
Soddy to realize that an element could have types of atoms with different masses that were chemically
indistinguishable. These different types are called isotopes—atoms of the same element that differ in mass. Soddy
was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1921 for this discovery.
One puzzle remained: The nucleus was known to contain almost all of the mass of an atom, with the number of
protons only providing half, or less, of that mass. Different proposals were made to explain what constituted the
remaining mass, including the existence of neutral particles in the nucleus. As you might expect, detecting uncharged
particles is very challenging, and it was not until 1932 that James Chadwick found evidence of neutrons, uncharged,
subatomic particles with a mass approximately the same as that of protons. The existence of the neutron also
explained isotopes: They differ in mass because they have different numbers of neutrons, but they are chemically
identical because they have the same number of protons. This will be explained in more detail later in this chapter.

• Write and interpret symbols that depict the atomic number, mass number, and charge of an atom or
ion
• Define the atomic mass unit and average atomic mass
• Calculate average atomic mass and isotopic abundance
The development of modern atomic theory revealed much about the inner structure of atoms. It was learned that an
atom contains a very small nucleus composed of positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons, surrounded by a
much larger volume of space containing negatively charged electrons. The nucleus contains the majority of an atom’s
mass because protons and neutrons are much heavier than electrons, whereas electrons occupy almost all of an atom’s
volume. The diameter of an atom is on the order of 10−10 m, whereas the diameter of the nucleus is roughly 10−15
m—about 100,000 times smaller. For a perspective about their relative sizes, consider this: If the nucleus were the
size of a blueberry, the atom would be about the size of a football stadium (Figure 2.11).
Figure 2.11 If an atom could be expanded to the size of a football stadium, the nucleus would be the size of a single
blueberry. (credit middle: modification of work by “babyknight”/Wikimedia Commons; credit right: modification of work
by Paxson Woelber)
Atoms—and the protons, neutrons, and electrons that compose them—are extremely small. For example, a carbon
atom weighs less than 2 × 10−23 g, and an electron has a charge of less than 2 × 10−19 C (coulomb). When
describing the properties of tiny objects such as atoms, we use appropriately small units of measure, such as the
atomic mass unit (amu) and the fundamental unit of charge (e). The amu was originally defined based on
hydrogen, the lightest element, then later in terms of oxygen. Since 1961, it has been defined with regard to the
most abundant isotope of carbon, atoms of which are assigned masses of exactly 12 amu. (This isotope is known as
“carbon-12” as will be discussed later in this module.) Thus, one amu is exactly 1 of the mass of one carbon-12
12
atom: 1 amu = 1.6605 × 10−24 g. (The Dalton (Da) and the unified atomic mass unit (u) are alternative units that
are equivalent to the amu.) The fundamental unit of charge (also called the elementary charge) equals the magnitude
of the charge of an electron (e) with e = 1.602 × 10−19 C.

A proton has a mass of 1.0073 amu and a charge of 1+. A neutron is a slightly heavier particle with a mass 1.0087 amu
and a charge of zero; as its name suggests, it is neutral. The electron has a charge of 1− and is a much lighter particle
with a mass of about 0.00055 amu (it would take about 1800 electrons to equal the mass of one proton. The properties
of these fundamental particles are summarized in Table 2.2. (An observant student might notice that the sum of an
atom’s subatomic particles does not equal the atom’s actual mass: The total mass of six protons, six neutrons, and six
electrons is 12.0993 amu, slightly larger than 12.00 amu. This “missing” mass is known as the mass defect, and you
will learn about it in the chapter on nuclear chemistry.)
Properties of Subatomic Particles
Name Location Charge (C) Unit Charge Mass (amu) Mass (g)
electron outside nucleus −1.602 × 10−19 1− 0.00055 0.00091 × 10−24
proton nucleus 1.602 × 10−19 1+ 1.00727 1.67262 × 10−24
neutron nucleus 0 0 1.00866 1.67493 × 10−24
Table 2.2
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is its atomic number (Z). This is the defining trait of an element: Its
value determines the identity of the atom. For example, any atom that contains six protons is the element carbon and
has the atomic number 6, regardless of how many neutrons or electrons it may have. A neutral atom must contain the
same number of positive and negative charges, so the number of protons equals the number of electrons. Therefore,
the atomic number also indicates the number of electrons in an atom. The total number of protons and neutrons in an
atom is called its mass number (A). The number of neutrons is therefore the difference between the mass number
and the atomic number: A – Z = number of neutrons.
atomic number (Z) = number of protons
atomic mass (A) = number of protons + number of neutrons
A − Z = number of neutrons
Atoms are electrically neutral if they contain the same number of positively charged protons and negatively charged
electrons. When the numbers of these subatomic particles are not equal, the atom is electrically charged and is called
an ion. The charge of an atom is defined as follows:
Atomic charge = number of protons − number of electrons
As will be discussed in more detail later in this chapter, atoms (and molecules) typically acquire charge by gaining
or losing electrons. An atom that gains one or more electrons will exhibit a negative charge and is called an anion.
Positively charged atoms called cations are formed when an atom loses one or more electrons. For example, a neutral
sodium atom (Z = 11) has 11 electrons. If this atom loses one electron, it will become a cation with a 1+ charge (11
− 10 = 1+). A neutral oxygen atom (Z = 8) has eight electrons, and if it gains two electrons it will become an anion
with a 2− charge (8 − 10 = 2−).
Example 2.3
Composition of an Atom
Iodine is an essential trace element in our diet; it is needed to produce thyroid hormone. Insufficient iodine
in the diet can lead to the development of a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland (Figure 2.12).
Figure 2.12 (a) Insufficient iodine in the diet can cause an enlargement of the thyroid gland called a goiter.
(b) The addition of small amounts of iodine to salt, which prevents the formation of goiters, has helped
eliminate this concern in the US where salt consumption is high. (credit a: modification of work by
“Almazi”/Wikimedia Commons; credit b: modification of work by Mike Mozart)
The addition of small amounts of iodine to table salt (iodized salt) has essentially eliminated this health
concern in the United States, but as much as 40% of the world’s population is still at risk of iodine
deficiency. The iodine atoms are added as anions, and each has a 1− charge and a mass number of 127.
Determine the numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons in one of these iodine anions.
Solution
The atomic number of iodine (53) tells us that a neutral iodine atom contains 53 protons in its nucleus and
53 electrons outside its nucleus. Because the sum of the numbers of protons and neutrons equals the mass
number, 127, the number of neutrons is 74 (127 − 53 = 74). Since the iodine is added as a 1− anion, the
number of electrons is 128 [127 − (1−) = 128].
Check Your Learning
An atom of platinum has a mass number of 195 and contains 74 electrons. How many protons and neutrons
does it contain, and what is its charge?
Answer: 78 protons; 117 neutrons; charge is 4+
Chemical Symbols
A chemical symbol is an abbreviation that we use to indicate an element or an atom of an element. For example, the
symbol for mercury is Hg (Figure 2.13). We use the same symbol to indicate one atom of mercury (microscopic
domain) or to label a container of many atoms of the element mercury (macroscopic domain).

Figure 2.13 The symbol Hg represents the element mercury regardless of the amount; it could represent one atom
of mercury or a large amount of mercury.
The symbols for several common elements and their atoms are listed in Table 2.3. Some symbols are derived from
the common name of the element; others are abbreviations of the name in another language. Most symbols have one
or two letters, but three-letter symbols have been used to describe some elements that have atomic numbers greater
than 112. To avoid confusion with other notations, only the first letter of a symbol is capitalized. For example, Co is
the symbol for the element cobalt, but CO is the notation for the compound carbon monoxide, which contains atoms
of the elements carbon (C) and oxygen (O). All known elements and their symbols are in the periodic table in Figure
2.26 (also found in image).
Some Common Elements and Their Symbols
Element Symbol Element Symbol
aluminum Al iron Fe (from ferrum)
bromine Br lead Pb (from plumbum)
calcium Ca magnesium Mg
carbon C mercury Hg (from hydrargyrum)
chlorine Cl nitrogen N
chromium Cr oxygen O
cobalt Co potassium K (from kalium)
copper Cu (from cuprum) silicon Si
fluorine F silver Ag (from argentum)
gold Au (from aurum) sodium Na (from natrium)
helium He sulfur S
Table 2.3
Some Common Elements and Their Symbols
Element Symbol Element Symbol
hydrogen H tin Sn (from stannum)
iodine I zinc Zn
Table 2.3
Traditionally, the discoverer (or discoverers) of a new element names the element. However, until the name is
recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the recommended name of the new
element is based on the Latin word(s) for its atomic number. For example, element 106 was called unnilhexium
(Unh), element 107 was called unnilseptium (Uns), and element 108 was called unniloctium (Uno) for several years.
These elements are now named after scientists (or occasionally locations); for example, element 106 is now known as
seaborgium (Sg) in honor of Glenn Seaborg, a Nobel Prize winner who was active in the discovery of several heavy
elements.
Link to Learning
Visit this site (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16IUPAC) to learn more about IUPAC,

the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, and explore its periodic
table.
Isotopes
The symbol for a specific isotope of any element is written by placing the mass number as a superscript to the
left of the element symbol (Figure 2.14). The atomic number is sometimes written as a subscript preceding the
symbol, but since this number defines the element’s identity, as does its symbol, it is often omitted. For example,
magnesium exists as a mixture of three isotopes, each with an atomic number of 12 and with mass numbers of 24,
25, and 26, respectively. These isotopes can be identified as 24Mg, 25Mg, and 26Mg. These isotope symbols are
read as “element, mass number” and can be symbolized consistent with this reading. For instance, 24Mg is read as
“magnesium 24,” and can be written as “magnesium-24” or “Mg-24.” 25Mg is read as “magnesium 25,” and can be
written as “magnesium-25” or “Mg-25.” All magnesium atoms have 12 protons in their nucleus. They differ only
because a 24Mg atom has 12 neutrons in its nucleus, a 25Mg atom has 13 neutrons, and a 26Mg has 14 neutrons.
Figure 2.14 The symbol for an atom indicates the element via its usual two-letter symbol, the mass number as a left
superscript, the atomic number as a left subscript (sometimes omitted), and the charge as a right superscript.
Information about the naturally occurring isotopes of elements with atomic numbers 1 through 10 is given in Table
2.4. Note that in addition to standard names and symbols, the isotopes of hydrogen are often referred to using

common names and accompanying symbols. Hydrogen-2, symbolized 2H, is also called deuterium and sometimes
symbolized D. Hydrogen-3, symbolized 3H, is also called tritium and sometimes symbolized T.
Nuclear Compositions of Atoms of the Very Light Elements
Element Symbol Atomic Number of Number of Mass % Natural

Number Protons Neutrons (amu) Abundance
1
1H
hydrogen 1 1 0 1.0078 99.989
(protium)
2
1H
1 1 1 2.0141 0.0115
(deuterium)
3
1H
1 1 2 3.01605 — (trace)
(tritium)
3
2 He
helium 2 2 1 3.01603 0.00013
4
2 He
2 2 2 4.0026 100
6
3 Li
lithium 3 3 3 6.0151 7.59
7
3 Li
3 3 4 7.0160 92.41
9
4 Be
beryllium 4 4 5 9.0122 100
10
5B
boron 5 5 5 10.0129 19.9
11
5B
5 5 6 11.0093 80.1
12
6C
carbon 6 6 6 12.0000 98.89
13
6C
6 6 7 13.0034 1.11
14
6C
6 6 8 14.0032 — (trace)
14
7N
nitrogen 7 7 7 14.0031 99.63
15
7N
7 7 8 15.0001 0.37
16
8O
oxygen 8 8 8 15.9949 99.757
17
8O
8 8 9 16.9991 0.038
Table 2.4
Nuclear Compositions of Atoms of the Very Light Elements
Element Symbol Atomic Number of Number of Mass % Natural

Number Protons Neutrons (amu) Abundance
18
8O
8 8 10 17.9992 0.205
19
9F
fluorine 9 9 10 18.9984 100
20
10 Ne
neon 10 10 10 19.9924 90.48
21
10 Ne
10 10 11 20.9938 0.27
22
10 Ne
10 10 12 21.9914 9.25
Table 2.4
Link to Learning
Use this Build an Atom simulator (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/

16PhetAtomBld) to build atoms of the first 10 elements, see which isotopes exist,
check nuclear stability, and gain experience with isotope symbols.
Atomic Mass
Because each proton and each neutron contribute approximately one amu to the mass of an atom, and each electron
contributes far less, the atomic mass of a single atom is approximately equal to its mass number (a whole number).
However, the average masses of atoms of most elements are not whole numbers because most elements exist naturally
as mixtures of two or more isotopes.
The mass of an element shown in a periodic table or listed in a table of atomic masses is a weighted, average mass
of all the isotopes present in a naturally occurring sample of that element. This is equal to the sum of each individual
isotope’s mass multiplied by its fractional abundance.
average mass = ∑ (fractional abundance × isotopic mass) i

i
For example, the element boron is composed of two isotopes: About 19.9% of all boron atoms are 10B with a mass of
10.0129 amu, and the remaining 80.1% are 11B with a mass of 11.0093 amu. The average atomic mass for boron is
calculated to be:
boron average mass = (0.199 × 10.0129 amu) + (0.801 × 11.0093 amu)
= 1.99 amu + 8.82 amu
= 10.81 amu
It is important to understand that no single boron atom weighs exactly 10.8 amu; 10.8 amu is the average mass of all
boron atoms, and individual boron atoms weigh either approximately 10 amu or 11 amu.
Example 2.4

Calculation of Average Atomic Mass

A meteorite found in central Indiana contains traces of the noble gas neon picked up from the solar wind
during the meteorite’s trip through the solar system. Analysis of a sample of the gas showed that it consisted
of 91.84% 20Ne (mass 19.9924 amu), 0.47% 21Ne (mass 20.9940 amu), and 7.69% 22Ne (mass 21.9914
amu). What is the average mass of the neon in the solar wind?
Solution
average mass = (0.9184 × 19.9924 amu) + (0.0047 × 20.9940 amu) + (0.0769 × 21.9914 amu)
= (18.36 + 0.099 + 1.69) amu
= 20.15 amu
The average mass of a neon atom in the solar wind is 20.15 amu. (The average mass of a terrestrial neon
atom is 20.1796 amu. This result demonstrates that we may find slight differences in the natural abundance
of isotopes, depending on their origin.)
Check Your Learning
A sample of magnesium is found to contain 78.70% of 24Mg atoms (mass 23.98 amu), 10.13% of 25Mg
atoms (mass 24.99 amu), and 11.17% of 26Mg atoms (mass 25.98 amu). Calculate the average mass of a
Mg atom.
Answer: 24.31 amu
We can also do variations of this type of calculation, as shown in the next example.
Example 2.5
Calculation of Percent Abundance

Naturally occurring chlorine consists of 35Cl (mass 34.96885 amu) and 37Cl (mass 36.96590 amu), with an
average mass of 35.453 amu. What is the percent composition of Cl in terms of these two isotopes?
Solution
The average mass of chlorine is the fraction that is 35Cl times the mass of 35Cl plus the fraction that is 37Cl
times the mass of 37Cl.
35 35 37 37
average mass = (fraction of Cl × mass of Cl) + (fraction of Cl × mass of Cl)
If we let x represent the fraction that is 35Cl, then the fraction that is 37Cl is represented by 1.00 − x.
(The fraction that is 35Cl + the fraction that is 37Cl must add up to 1, so the fraction of 37Cl must equal 1.00
− the fraction of 35Cl.)
Substituting this into the average mass equation, we have:
35.453 amu = (x × 34.96885 amu) + [(1.00 − x) × 36.96590 amu]
35.453 = 34.96885x + 36.96590 − 36.96590x
1.99705x = 1.513
x = 1.513 = 0.7576
1.99705
So solving yields: x = 0.7576, which means that 1.00 − 0.7576 = 0.2424. Therefore, chlorine consists of
75.76% 35Cl and 24.24% 37Cl.
Check Your Learning
Naturally occurring copper consists of 63Cu (mass 62.9296 amu) and 65Cu (mass 64.9278 amu), with an
average mass of 63.546 amu. What is the percent composition of Cu in terms of these two isotopes?
Answer: 69.15% Cu-63 and 30.85% Cu-65
Link to Learning
Visit this site (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16PhetAtomMass) to make mixtures

of the main isotopes of the first 18 elements, gain experience with average atomic
mass, and check naturally occurring isotope ratios using the Isotopes and Atomic
Mass simulation.
The occurrence and natural abundances of isotopes can be experimentally determined using an instrument called
a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometry (MS) is widely used in chemistry, forensics, medicine, environmental
science, and many other fields to analyze and help identify the substances in a sample of material. In a typical
mass spectrometer (Figure 2.15), the sample is vaporized and exposed to a high-energy electron beam that causes
the sample’s atoms (or molecules) to become electrically charged, typically by losing one or more electrons. These
cations then pass through a (variable) electric or magnetic field that deflects each cation’s path to an extent that
depends on both its mass and charge (similar to how the path of a large steel ball bearing rolling past a magnet is
deflected to a lesser extent that that of a small steel BB). The ions are detected, and a plot of the relative number of
ions generated versus their mass-to-charge ratios (a mass spectrum) is made. The height of each vertical feature or
peak in a mass spectrum is proportional to the fraction of cations with the specified mass-to-charge ratio. Since its
initial use during the development of modern atomic theory, MS has evolved to become a powerful tool for chemical
analysis in a wide range of applications.
Figure 2.15 Analysis of zirconium in a mass spectrometer produces a mass spectrum with peaks showing the
different isotopes of Zr.

Link to Learning
See an animation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16MassSpec) that explains

mass spectrometry. Watch this video (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/
16RSChemistry) from the Royal Society for Chemistry for a brief description of the
rudiments of mass spectrometry.

• Symbolize the composition of molecules using molecular formulas and empirical formulas
• Represent the bonding arrangement of atoms within molecules using structural formulas
A molecular formula is a representation of a molecule that uses chemical symbols to indicate the types of atoms
followed by subscripts to show the number of atoms of each type in the molecule. (A subscript is used only when
more than one atom of a given type is present.) Molecular formulas are also used as abbreviations for the names of
compounds.
The structural formula for a compound gives the same information as its molecular formula (the types and numbers
of atoms in the molecule) but also shows how the atoms are connected in the molecule. The structural formula for
methane contains symbols for one C atom and four H atoms, indicating the number of atoms in the molecule (Figure
2.16). The lines represent bonds that hold the atoms together. (A chemical bond is an attraction between atoms or
ions that holds them together in a molecule or a crystal.) We will discuss chemical bonds and see how to predict the
arrangement of atoms in a molecule later. For now, simply know that the lines are an indication of how the atoms are
connected in a molecule. A ball-and-stick model shows the geometric arrangement of the atoms with atomic sizes not
to scale, and a space-filling model shows the relative sizes of the atoms.
Figure 2.16 A methane molecule can be represented as (a) a molecular formula, (b) a structural formula, (c) a ball-
and-stick model, and (d) a space-filling model. Carbon and hydrogen atoms are represented by black and white
spheres, respectively.
Although many elements consist of discrete, individual atoms, some exist as molecules made up of two or more
atoms of the element chemically bonded together. For example, most samples of the elements hydrogen, oxygen,
and nitrogen are composed of molecules that contain two atoms each (called diatomic molecules) and thus have the
molecular formulas H2, O2, and N2, respectively. Other elements commonly found as diatomic molecules are fluorine
(F2), chlorine (Cl2), bromine (Br2), and iodine (I2). The most common form of the element sulfur is composed of
molecules that consist of eight atoms of sulfur; its molecular formula is S8 (Figure 2.17).
Figure 2.17 A molecule of sulfur is composed of eight sulfur atoms and is therefore written as S8. It can be
represented as (a) a structural formula, (b) a ball-and-stick model, and (c) a space-filling model. Sulfur atoms are
represented by yellow spheres.
It is important to note that a subscript following a symbol and a number in front of a symbol do not represent the
same thing; for example, H2 and 2H represent distinctly different species. H2 is a molecular formula; it represents
a diatomic molecule of hydrogen, consisting of two atoms of the element that are chemically bonded together. The
expression 2H, on the other hand, indicates two separate hydrogen atoms that are not combined as a unit. The
expression 2H2 represents two molecules of diatomic hydrogen (Figure 2.18).
Figure 2.18 The symbols H, 2H, H2, and 2H2 represent very different entities.
Compounds are formed when two or more elements chemically combine, resulting in the formation of bonds. For
example, hydrogen and oxygen can react to form water, and sodium and chlorine can react to form table salt. We
sometimes describe the composition of these compounds with an empirical formula, which indicates the types of
atoms present and the simplest whole-number ratio of the number of atoms (or ions) in the compound. For example,
titanium dioxide (used as pigment in white paint and in the thick, white, blocking type of sunscreen) has an empirical
formula of TiO2. This identifies the elements titanium (Ti) and oxygen (O) as the constituents of titanium dioxide,
and indicates the presence of twice as many atoms of the element oxygen as atoms of the element titanium (Figure
2.19).

Figure 2.19 (a) The white compound titanium dioxide provides effective protection from the sun. (b) A crystal of
titanium dioxide, TiO2, contains titanium and oxygen in a ratio of 1 to 2. The titanium atoms are gray and the oxygen
atoms are red. (credit a: modification of work by “osseous”/Flickr)
As discussed previously, we can describe a compound with a molecular formula, in which the subscripts indicate
the actual numbers of atoms of each element in a molecule of the compound. In many cases, the molecular formula
of a substance is derived from experimental determination of both its empirical formula and its molecular mass (the
sum of atomic masses for all atoms composing the molecule). For example, it can be determined experimentally that
benzene contains two elements, carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), and that for every carbon atom in benzene, there is one
hydrogen atom. Thus, the empirical formula is CH. An experimental determination of the molecular mass reveals that
a molecule of benzene contains six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms, so the molecular formula for benzene is
C6H6 (Figure 2.20).
Figure 2.20 Benzene, C6H6, is produced during oil refining and has many industrial uses. A benzene molecule can
be represented as (a) a structural formula, (b) a ball-and-stick model, and (c) a space-filling model. (d) Benzene is a
clear liquid. (credit d: modification of work by Sahar Atwa)
If we know a compound’s formula, we can easily determine the empirical formula. (This is somewhat of an academic
exercise; the reverse chronology is generally followed in actual practice.) For example, the molecular formula for
acetic acid, the component that gives vinegar its sharp taste, is C2H4O2. This formula indicates that a molecule of
acetic acid (Figure 2.21) contains two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The ratio of
atoms is 2:4:2. Dividing by the lowest common denominator (2) gives the simplest, whole-number ratio of atoms,
1:2:1, so the empirical formula is CH2O. Note that a molecular formula is always a whole-number multiple of an
empirical formula.
Figure 2.21 (a) Vinegar contains acetic acid, C2H4O2, which has an empirical formula of CH2O. It can be
represented as (b) a structural formula and (c) as a ball-and-stick model. (credit a: modification of work by “HomeSpot
HQ”/Flickr)
Example 2.6
Empirical and Molecular Formulas

Molecules of glucose (blood sugar) contain 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. What
are the molecular and empirical formulas of glucose?
Solution
The molecular formula is C6H12O6 because one molecule actually contains 6 C, 12 H, and 6 O atoms. The
simplest whole-number ratio of C to H to O atoms in glucose is 1:2:1, so the empirical formula is CH 2O.
Check Your Learning
A molecule of metaldehyde (a pesticide used for snails and slugs) contains 8 carbon atoms, 16 hydrogen
atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms. What are the molecular and empirical formulas of metaldehyde?
Answer: Molecular formula, C8H16O4; empirical formula, C2H4O
Link to Learning
You can explore molecule building (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/

16molbuilding) using an online simulation.
Portrait of a Chemist
Lee Cronin
What is it that chemists do? According to Lee Cronin (Figure 2.22), chemists make very complicated
molecules by “chopping up” small molecules and “reverse engineering” them. He wonders if we could “make a
really cool universal chemistry set” by what he calls “app-ing” chemistry. Could we “app” chemistry?

In a 2012 TED talk, Lee describes one fascinating possibility: combining a collection of chemical “inks” with
a 3D printer capable of fabricating a reaction apparatus (tiny test tubes, beakers, and the like) to fashion
a “universal toolkit of chemistry.” This toolkit could be used to create custom-tailored drugs to fight a new
superbug or to “print” medicine personally configured to your genetic makeup, environment, and health
situation. Says Cronin, “What Apple did for music, I’d like to do for the discovery and distribution of prescription
drugs.”[2] View his full talk (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16LeeCronin) at the TED website.
Figure 2.22 Chemist Lee Cronin has been named one of the UK’s 10 most inspirational scientists. The
youngest chair at the University of Glasgow, Lee runs a large research group, collaborates with many
scientists worldwide, has published over 250 papers in top scientific journals, and has given more than 150
invited talks. His research focuses on complex chemical systems and their potential to transform technology,
but also branches into nanoscience, solar fuels, synthetic biology, and even artificial life and evolution. (credit:
image courtesy of Lee Cronin)
It is important to be aware that it may be possible for the same atoms to be arranged in different ways: Compounds
with the same molecular formula may have different atom-to-atom bonding and therefore different structures. For
example, could there be another compound with the same formula as acetic acid, C2H4O2? And if so, what would be
the structure of its molecules?
If you predict that another compound with the formula C2H4O2 could exist, then you demonstrated good chemical
insight and are correct. Two C atoms, four H atoms, and two O atoms can also be arranged to form a methyl formate,
which is used in manufacturing, as an insecticide, and for quick-drying finishes. Methyl formate molecules have
one of the oxygen atoms between the two carbon atoms, differing from the arrangement in acetic acid molecules.
Acetic acid and methyl formate are examples of isomers—compounds with the same chemical formula but different
molecular structures (Figure 2.23). Note that this small difference in the arrangement of the atoms has a major
effect on their respective chemical properties. You would certainly not want to use a solution of methyl formate as a
substitute for a solution of acetic acid (vinegar) when you make salad dressing.
2. Lee Cronin, “Print Your Own Medicine,” Talk presented at TED Global 2012, Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2012.
Figure 2.23 Molecules of (a) acetic acid and methyl formate (b) are structural isomers; they have the same formula
(C2H4O2) but different structures (and therefore different chemical properties).
Many types of isomers exist (Figure 2.24). Acetic acid and methyl formate are structural isomers, compounds in
which the molecules differ in how the atoms are connected to each other. There are also various types of spatial
isomers, in which the relative orientations of the atoms in space can be different. For example, the compound carvone
(found in caraway seeds, spearmint, and mandarin orange peels) consists of two isomers that are mirror images of
each other. S-(+)-carvone smells like caraway, and R-(−)-carvone smells like spearmint.
Figure 2.24 Molecules of carvone are spatial isomers; they only differ in the relative orientations of the atoms in
space. (credit bottom left: modification of work by “Miansari66”/Wikimedia Commons; credit bottom right: modification
of work by Forest & Kim Starr)

Link to Learning
Select this link (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16isomers) to view an explanation

of isomers, spatial isomers, and why they have different smells (select the video
titled “Mirror Molecule: Carvone”).

• State the periodic law and explain the organization of elements in the periodic table
• Predict the general properties of elements based on their location within the periodic table
• Identify metals, nonmetals, and metalloids by their properties and/or location on the periodic table
As early chemists worked to purify ores and discovered more elements, they realized that various elements could
be grouped together by their similar chemical behaviors. One such grouping includes lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and
potassium (K): These elements all are shiny, conduct heat and electricity well, and have similar chemical properties.
A second grouping includes calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), and barium (Ba), which also are shiny, good conductors of
heat and electricity, and have chemical properties in common. However, the specific properties of these two groupings
are notably different from each other. For example: Li, Na, and K are much more reactive than are Ca, Sr, and Ba; Li,
Na, and K form compounds with oxygen in a ratio of two of their atoms to one oxygen atom, whereas Ca, Sr, and Ba
form compounds with one of their atoms to one oxygen atom. Fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine
(I) also exhibit similar properties to each other, but these properties are drastically different from those of any of the
elements above.
Dimitri Mendeleev in Russia (1869) and Lothar Meyer in Germany (1870) independently recognized that there was a
periodic relationship among the properties of the elements known at that time. Both published tables with the elements
arranged according to increasing atomic mass. But Mendeleev went one step further than Meyer: He used his table
to predict the existence of elements that would have the properties similar to aluminum and silicon, but were yet
unknown. The discoveries of gallium (1875) and germanium (1886) provided great support for Mendeleev’s work.
Although Mendeleev and Meyer had a long dispute over priority, Mendeleev’s contributions to the development of
the periodic table are now more widely recognized (Figure 2.25).
Figure 2.25 (a) Dimitri Mendeleev is widely credited with creating (b) the first periodic table of the elements. (credit
a: modification of work by Serge Lachinov; credit b: modification of work by “Den fjättrade ankan”/Wikimedia
Commons)
By the twentieth century, it became apparent that the periodic relationship involved atomic numbers rather than
atomic masses. The modern statement of this relationship, the periodic law, is as follows: the properties of the
elements are periodic functions of their atomic numbers. A modern periodic table arranges the elements in increasing
order of their atomic numbers and groups atoms with similar properties in the same vertical column (Figure 2.26).
Each box represents an element and contains its atomic number, symbol, average atomic mass, and (sometimes) name.
The elements are arranged in seven horizontal rows, called periods or series, and 18 vertical columns, called groups.
Groups are labeled at the top of each column. In the United States, the labels traditionally were numerals with capital
letters. However, IUPAC recommends that the numbers 1 through 18 be used, and these labels are more common. For
the table to fit on a single page, parts of two of the rows, a total of 14 columns, are usually written below the main
body of the table.

Figure 2.26 Elements in the periodic table are organized according to their properties.
Many elements differ dramatically in their chemical and physical properties, but some elements are similar in their
behaviors. For example, many elements appear shiny, are malleable (able to be deformed without breaking) and
ductile (can be drawn into wires), and conduct heat and electricity well. Other elements are not shiny, malleable, or
ductile, and are poor conductors of heat and electricity. We can sort the elements into large classes with common
properties: metals (elements that are shiny, malleable, good conductors of heat and electricity—shaded yellow);
nonmetals (elements that appear dull, poor conductors of heat and electricity—shaded green); and metalloids
(elements that conduct heat and electricity moderately well, and possess some properties of metals and some
properties of nonmetals—shaded purple).
The elements can also be classified into the main-group elements (or representative elements) in the columns
labeled 1, 2, and 13–18; the transition metals in the columns labeled 3–12; and inner transition metals in the
two rows at the bottom of the table (the top-row elements are called lanthanides and the bottom-row elements are
actinides; Figure 2.27). The elements can be subdivided further by more specific properties, such as the composition
of the compounds they form. For example, the elements in group 1 (the first column) form compounds that consist
of one atom of the element and one atom of hydrogen. These elements (except hydrogen) are known as alkali
metals, and they all have similar chemical properties. The elements in group 2 (the second column) form compounds
consisting of one atom of the element and two atoms of hydrogen: These are called alkaline earth metals, with
similar properties among members of that group. Other groups with specific names are the pnictogens (group 15),
chalcogens (group 16), halogens (group 17), and the noble gases (group 18, also known as inert gases). The groups
can also be referred to by the first element of the group: For example, the chalcogens can be called the oxygen group
or oxygen family. Hydrogen is a unique, nonmetallic element with properties similar to both group 1A and group 7A
elements. For that reason, hydrogen may be shown at the top of both groups, or by itself.
Figure 2.27 The periodic table organizes elements with similar properties into groups.
Link to Learning
Click on this link (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16Periodic) for an interactive

periodic table, which you can use to explore the properties of the elements
(includes podcasts and videos of each element). You may also want to try this one
that shows photos of all the elements.
Example 2.7
Naming Groups of Elements

Atoms of each of the following elements are essential for life. Give the group name for the following
elements:
(a) chlorine
(b) calcium
(c) sodium
(d) sulfur

Solution
The family names are as follows:
(a) halogen
(b) alkaline earth metal
(c) alkali metal
(d) chalcogen
Check Your Learning
Give the group name for each of the following elements:
(a) krypton
(b) selenium
(c) barium
(d) lithium
Answer: (a) noble gas; (b) chalcogen; (c) alkaline earth metal; (d) alkali metal
In studying the periodic table, you might have noticed something about the atomic masses of some of the elements.
Element 43 (technetium), element 61 (promethium), and most of the elements with atomic number 84 (polonium)
and higher have their atomic mass given in square brackets. This is done for elements that consist entirely of
unstable, radioactive isotopes (you will learn more about radioactivity in the nuclear chemistry chapter). An average
atomic weight cannot be determined for these elements because their radioisotopes may vary significantly in relative
abundance, depending on the source, or may not even exist in nature. The number in square brackets is the atomic
mass number (and approximate atomic mass) of the most stable isotope of that element.

• Define ionic and molecular (covalent) compounds
• Predict the type of compound formed from elements based on their location within the periodic table
• Determine formulas for simple ionic compounds
In ordinary chemical reactions, the nucleus of each atom (and thus the identity of the element) remains unchanged.
Electrons, however, can be added to atoms by transfer from other atoms, lost by transfer to other atoms, or shared
with other atoms. The transfer and sharing of electrons among atoms govern the chemistry of the elements. During
the formation of some compounds, atoms gain or lose electrons, and form electrically charged particles called ions
(Figure 2.28).
Figure 2.28 (a) A sodium atom (Na) has equal numbers of protons and electrons (11) and is uncharged. (b) A
sodium cation (Na+) has lost an electron, so it has one more proton (11) than electrons (10), giving it an overall
positive charge, signified by a superscripted plus sign.
You can use the periodic table to predict whether an atom will form an anion or a cation, and you can often predict
the charge of the resulting ion. Atoms of many main-group metals lose enough electrons to leave them with the same
number of electrons as an atom of the preceding noble gas. To illustrate, an atom of an alkali metal (group 1) loses
one electron and forms a cation with a 1+ charge; an alkaline earth metal (group 2) loses two electrons and forms a
cation with a 2+ charge, and so on. For example, a neutral calcium atom, with 20 protons and 20 electrons, readily
loses two electrons. This results in a cation with 20 protons, 18 electrons, and a 2+ charge. It has the same number of
electrons as atoms of the preceding noble gas, argon, and is symbolized Ca2+. The name of a metal ion is the same as
the name of the metal atom from which it forms, so Ca2+ is called a calcium ion.
When atoms of nonmetal elements form ions, they generally gain enough electrons to give them the same number of
electrons as an atom of the next noble gas in the periodic table. Atoms of group 17 gain one electron and form anions
with a 1− charge; atoms of group 16 gain two electrons and form ions with a 2− charge, and so on. For example, the
neutral bromine atom, with 35 protons and 35 electrons, can gain one electron to provide it with 36 electrons. This
results in an anion with 35 protons, 36 electrons, and a 1− charge. It has the same number of electrons as atoms of the
next noble gas, krypton, and is symbolized Br−. (A discussion of the theory supporting the favored status of noble gas
electron numbers reflected in these predictive rules for ion formation is provided in a later chapter of this text.)
Note the usefulness of the periodic table in predicting likely ion formation and charge (Figure 2.29). Moving from
the far left to the right on the periodic table, main-group elements tend to form cations with a charge equal to the
group number. That is, group 1 elements form 1+ ions; group 2 elements form 2+ ions, and so on. Moving from the
far right to the left on the periodic table, elements often form anions with a negative charge equal to the number of
groups moved left from the noble gases. For example, group 17 elements (one group left of the noble gases) form 1−
ions; group 16 elements (two groups left) form 2− ions, and so on. This trend can be used as a guide in many cases,
but its predictive value decreases when moving toward the center of the periodic table. In fact, transition metals and
some other metals often exhibit variable charges that are not predictable by their location in the table. For example,
copper can form ions with a 1+ or 2+ charge, and iron can form ions with a 2+ or 3+ charge.

Figure 2.29 Some elements exhibit a regular pattern of ionic charge when they form ions.
Example 2.8
Composition of Ions
An ion found in some compounds used as antiperspirants contains 13 protons and 10 electrons. What is its
symbol?
Solution
Because the number of protons remains unchanged when an atom forms an ion, the atomic number of the
element must be 13. Knowing this lets us use the periodic table to identify the element as Al (aluminum).
The Al atom has lost three electrons and thus has three more positive charges (13) than it has electrons (10).
This is the aluminum cation, Al3+.
Check Your Learning
Give the symbol and name for the ion with 34 protons and 36 electrons.
Answer: Se2−, the selenide ion
Example 2.9
Formation of Ions
Magnesium and nitrogen react to form an ionic compound. Predict which forms an anion, which forms a
cation, and the charges of each ion. Write the symbol for each ion and name them.
Solution
Magnesium’s position in the periodic table (group 2) tells us that it is a metal. Metals form positive ions
(cations). A magnesium atom must lose two electrons to have the same number electrons as an atom of the
previous noble gas, neon. Thus, a magnesium atom will form a cation with two fewer electrons than protons
and a charge of 2+. The symbol for the ion is Mg2+, and it is called a magnesium ion.
Nitrogen’s position in the periodic table (group 15) reveals that it is a nonmetal. Nonmetals form negative
ions (anions). A nitrogen atom must gain three electrons to have the same number of electrons as an atom
of the following noble gas, neon. Thus, a nitrogen atom will form an anion with three more electrons than
protons and a charge of 3−. The symbol for the ion is N3−, and it is called a nitride ion.
Check Your Learning
Aluminum and carbon react to form an ionic compound. Predict which forms an anion, which forms a
cation, and the charges of each ion. Write the symbol for each ion and name them.
Answer: Al will form a cation with a charge of 3+: Al3+, an aluminum ion. Carbon will form an anion with
a charge of 4−: C4−, a carbide ion.
The ions that we have discussed so far are called monatomic ions, that is, they are ions formed from only one atom.
We also find many polyatomic ions. These ions, which act as discrete units, are electrically charged molecules (a
group of bonded atoms with an overall charge). Some of the more important polyatomic ions are listed in Table 2.5.
Oxyanions are polyatomic ions that contain one or more oxygen atoms. At this point in your study of chemistry, you
should memorize the names, formulas, and charges of the most common polyatomic ions. Because you will use them
repeatedly, they will soon become familiar.
Common Polyatomic Ions
Charge Name Formula
1+ ammonium NH 4 +
1− acetate C2 H3 O2 −
1− cyanide CN−
1− hydroxide OH−
1− nitrate NO 3 −
1− nitrite NO 2 −
1− perchlorate ClO 4 −
1− chlorate ClO 3 −
1− chlorite ClO 2 −
1− hypochlorite ClO−
Table 2.5

Common Polyatomic Ions
Charge Name Formula
1− permanganate MnO 4 −
1− hydrogen carbonate, or bicarbonate HCO 3 −
2− carbonate CO 3 2−
2− peroxide O 2 2−
1− hydrogen sulfate, or bisulfate HSO 4 −
2− sulfate SO 4 2−
2− sulfite SO 3 2−
1− dihydrogen phosphate H 2 PO 4 −
2− hydrogen phosphate HPO 4 2−
3− phosphate PO 4 3−
Table 2.5
Note that there is a system for naming some polyatomic ions; -ate and -ite are suffixes designating polyatomic ions
containing more or fewer oxygen atoms. Per- (short for “hyper”) and hypo- (meaning “under”) are prefixes meaning
more oxygen atoms than -ate and fewer oxygen atoms than -ite, respectively. For example, perchlorate is ClO 4 − ,
chlorate is ClO 3 − , chlorite is ClO 2 − and hypochlorite is ClO−. Unfortunately, the number of oxygen atoms
corresponding to a given suffix or prefix is not consistent; for example, nitrate is NO 3 − while sulfate is SO 4 2−.
This will be covered in more detail in the next module on nomenclature.
The nature of the attractive forces that hold atoms or ions together within a compound is the basis for classifying
chemical bonding. When electrons are transferred and ions form, ionic bonds result. Ionic bonds are electrostatic
forces of attraction, that is, the attractive forces experienced between objects of opposite electrical charge (in this case,
cations and anions). When electrons are “shared” and molecules form, covalent bonds result. Covalent bonds are the
attractive forces between the positively charged nuclei of the bonded atoms and one or more pairs of electrons that
are located between the atoms. Compounds are classified as ionic or molecular (covalent) on the basis of the bonds
present in them.
Ionic Compounds
When an element composed of atoms that readily lose electrons (a metal) reacts with an element composed of atoms
that readily gain electrons (a nonmetal), a transfer of electrons usually occurs, producing ions. The compound formed
by this transfer is stabilized by the electrostatic attractions (ionic bonds) between the ions of opposite charge present
in the compound. For example, when each sodium atom in a sample of sodium metal (group 1) gives up one electron
to form a sodium cation, Na+, and each chlorine atom in a sample of chlorine gas (group 17) accepts one electron to
form a chloride anion, Cl−, the resulting compound, NaCl, is composed of sodium ions and chloride ions in the ratio
of one Na+ ion for each Cl− ion. Similarly, each calcium atom (group 2) can give up two electrons and transfer one
to each of two chlorine atoms to form CaCl2, which is composed of Ca2+ and Cl− ions in the ratio of one Ca2+ ion to
two Cl− ions.
A compound that contains ions and is held together by ionic bonds is called an ionic compound. The periodic table
can help us recognize many of the compounds that are ionic: When a metal is combined with one or more nonmetals,
the compound is usually ionic. This guideline works well for predicting ionic compound formation for most of the
compounds typically encountered in an introductory chemistry course. However, it is not always true (for example,
aluminum chloride, AlCl3, is not ionic).
You can often recognize ionic compounds because of their properties. Ionic compounds are solids that typically melt
at high temperatures and boil at even higher temperatures. For example, sodium chloride melts at 801 °C and boils
at 1413 °C. (As a comparison, the molecular compound water melts at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C.) In solid form, an
ionic compound is not electrically conductive because its ions are unable to flow (“electricity” is the flow of charged
particles). When molten, however, it can conduct electricity because its ions are able to move freely through the liquid
(Figure 2.30).
Figure 2.30 Sodium chloride melts at 801 °C and conducts electricity when molten. (credit: modification of work by
Mark Blaser and Matt Evans)
Link to Learning
Watch this video (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16moltensalt) to see a mixture of

salts melt and conduct electricity.
In every ionic compound, the total number of positive charges of the cations equals the total number of negative
charges of the anions. Thus, ionic compounds are electrically neutral overall, even though they contain positive and
negative ions. We can use this observation to help us write the formula of an ionic compound. The formula of an ionic
compound must have a ratio of ions such that the numbers of positive and negative charges are equal.
Example 2.10

Predicting the Formula of an Ionic Compound

The gemstone sapphire (Figure 2.31) is mostly a compound of aluminum and oxygen that contains
aluminum cations, Al3+, and oxygen anions, O2−. What is the formula of this compound?
Figure 2.31 Although pure aluminum oxide is colorless, trace amounts of iron and titanium give blue
sapphire its characteristic color. (credit: modification of work by Stanislav Doronenko)
Solution
Because the ionic compound must be electrically neutral, it must have the same number of positive and
negative charges. Two aluminum ions, each with a charge of 3+, would give us six positive charges, and
three oxide ions, each with a charge of 2−, would give us six negative charges. The formula would be Al2O3.
Check Your Learning
Predict the formula of the ionic compound formed between the sodium cation, Na+, and the sulfide anion,
S2−.
Answer: Na2S
Many ionic compounds contain polyatomic ions (Table 2.5) as the cation, the anion, or both. As with simple ionic
compounds, these compounds must also be electrically neutral, so their formulas can be predicted by treating the
polyatomic ions as discrete units. We use parentheses in a formula to indicate a group of atoms that behave as a
unit. For example, the formula for calcium phosphate, one of the minerals in our bones, is Ca3(PO4)2. This formula
indicates that there are three calcium ions (Ca2+) for every two phosphate (PO 4 3−) groups. The PO 4 3− groups are
discrete units, each consisting of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms, and having an overall charge of 3−.
The compound is electrically neutral, and its formula shows a total count of three Ca, two P, and eight O atoms.
Example 2.11
Predicting the Formula of a Compound with a Polyatomic Anion

Baking powder contains calcium dihydrogen phosphate, an ionic compound composed of the ions Ca2+ and
H 2 PO 4 − . What is the formula of this compound?
Solution
The positive and negative charges must balance, and this ionic compound must be electrically neutral. Thus,
we must have two negative charges to balance the 2+ charge of the calcium ion. This requires a ratio of one
Ca2+ ion to two H 2 PO 4 − ions. We designate this by enclosing the formula for the dihydrogen phosphate
ion in parentheses and adding a subscript 2. The formula is Ca(H2PO4)2.
Check Your Learning

Predict the formula of the ionic compound formed between the lithium ion and the peroxide ion, O 2 2−
(Hint: Use the periodic table to predict the sign and the charge on the lithium ion.)
Answer: Li2O2
Because an ionic compound is not made up of single, discrete molecules, it may not be properly symbolized using
a molecular formula. Instead, ionic compounds must be symbolized by a formula indicating the relative numbers of
its constituent cations. For compounds containing only monatomic ions (such as NaCl) and for many compounds
containing polyatomic ions (such as CaSO4), these formulas are just the empirical formulas introduced earlier in this
chapter. However, the formulas for some ionic compounds containing polyatomic ions are not empirical formulas.
For example, the ionic compound sodium oxalate is comprised of Na+ and C 2 O 4 2− ions combined in a 2:1 ratio,
and its formula is written as Na2C2O4. The subscripts in this formula are not the smallest-possible whole numbers, as
each can be divided by 2 to yield the empirical formula, NaCO2. This is not the accepted formula for sodium oxalate,
however, as it does not accurately represent the compound’s polyatomic anion, C 2 O 4 2−.
Molecular Compounds
Many compounds do not contain ions but instead consist solely of discrete, neutral molecules. These molecular
compounds (covalent compounds) result when atoms share, rather than transfer (gain or lose), electrons. Covalent
bonding is an important and extensive concept in chemistry, and it will be treated in considerable detail in a later
chapter of this text. We can often identify molecular compounds on the basis of their physical properties. Under
normal conditions, molecular compounds often exist as gases, low-boiling liquids, and low-melting solids, although
many important exceptions exist.
Whereas ionic compounds are usually formed when a metal and a nonmetal combine, covalent compounds are usually
formed by a combination of nonmetals. Thus, the periodic table can help us recognize many of the compounds that are
covalent. While we can use the positions of a compound’s elements in the periodic table to predict whether it is ionic
or covalent at this point in our study of chemistry, you should be aware that this is a very simplistic approach that does
not account for a number of interesting exceptions. Shades of gray exist between ionic and molecular compounds,
and you’ll learn more about those later.
Example 2.12
Predicting the Type of Bonding in Compounds

Predict whether the following compounds are ionic or molecular:
(a) KI, the compound used as a source of iodine in table salt
(b) H2O2, the bleach and disinfectant hydrogen peroxide
(c) CHCl3, the anesthetic chloroform
(d) Li2CO3, a source of lithium in antidepressants
Solution
(a) Potassium (group 1) is a metal, and iodine (group 17) is a nonmetal; KI is predicted to be ionic.
(b) Hydrogen (group 1) is a nonmetal, and oxygen (group 16) is a nonmetal; H2O2 is predicted to be
molecular.

(c) Carbon (group 14) is a nonmetal, hydrogen (group 1) is a nonmetal, and chlorine (group 17) is a
nonmetal; CHCl3 is predicted to be molecular.
(d) Lithium (group 1A) is a metal, and carbonate is a polyatomic ion; Li2CO3 is predicted to be ionic.
Check Your Learning
Using the periodic table, predict whether the following compounds are ionic or covalent:
(a) SO2
(b) CaF2
(c) N2H4
(d) Al2(SO4)3
Answer: (a) molecular; (b) ionic; (c) molecular; (d) ionic

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
• Derive names for common types of inorganic compounds using a systematic approach
Nomenclature, a collection of rules for naming things, is important in science and in many other situations. This
module describes an approach that is used to name simple ionic and molecular compounds, such as NaCl, CaCO3, and
N2O4. The simplest of these are binary compounds, those containing only two elements, but we will also consider
how to name ionic compounds containing polyatomic ions, and one specific, very important class of compounds
known as acids (subsequent chapters in this text will focus on these compounds in great detail). We will limit our
attention here to inorganic compounds, compounds that are composed principally of elements other than carbon, and
will follow the nomenclature guidelines proposed by IUPAC. The rules for organic compounds, in which carbon is
the principle element, will be treated in a later chapter on organic chemistry.
Ionic Compounds
To name an inorganic compound, we need to consider the answers to several questions. First, is the compound ionic or
molecular? If the compound is ionic, does the metal form ions of only one type (fixed charge) or more than one type
(variable charge)? Are the ions monatomic or polyatomic? If the compound is molecular, does it contain hydrogen? If
so, does it also contain oxygen? From the answers we derive, we place the compound in an appropriate category and
then name it accordingly.
Compounds Containing Only Monatomic Ions

The name of a binary compound containing monatomic ions consists of the name of the cation (the name of the metal)
followed by the name of the anion (the name of the nonmetallic element with its ending replaced by the suffix –ide).
Some examples are given in Table 2.6.
Names of Some Ionic Compounds
NaCl, sodium chloride Na2O, sodium oxide
Table 2.6
Names of Some Ionic Compounds
KBr, potassium bromide CdS, cadmium sulfide
CaI2, calcium iodide Mg3N2, magnesium nitride
CsF, cesium fluoride Ca3P2, calcium phosphide
LiCl, lithium chloride Al4C3, aluminum carbide
Table 2.6
Compounds Containing Polyatomic Ions

Compounds containing polyatomic ions are named similarly to those containing only monatomic ions, except there is
no need to change to an –ide ending, since the suffix is already present in the name of the anion. Examples are shown
in Table 2.7.
Names of Some Polyatomic Ionic Compounds
KC2H3O2, potassium acetate (NH4)Cl, ammonium chloride
NaHCO3, sodium bicarbonate CaSO4, calcium sulfate
Al2(CO3)3, aluminum carbonate Mg3(PO4)2, magnesium phosphate
Table 2.7

Chemistry in Everyday Life
Ionic Compounds in Your Cabinets

Every day you encounter and use a large number of ionic compounds. Some of these compounds, where they
are found, and what they are used for are listed in Table 2.8. Look at the label or ingredients list on the various
products that you use during the next few days, and see if you run into any of those in this table, or find other
ionic compounds that you could now name or write as a formula.
Everyday Ionic Compounds
Ionic Compound Use
NaCl, sodium chloride ordinary table salt
KI, potassium iodide added to “iodized” salt for thyroid health
NaF, sodium fluoride ingredient in toothpaste
NaHCO3, sodium bicarbonate baking soda; used in cooking (and as antacid)
Na2CO3, sodium carbonate washing soda; used in cleaning agents
NaOCl, sodium hypochlorite active ingredient in household bleach
CaCO3 calcium carbonate ingredient in antacids
Mg(OH)2, magnesium hydroxide ingredient in antacids
Al(OH)3, aluminum hydroxide ingredient in antacids
NaOH, sodium hydroxide lye; used as drain cleaner
K3PO4, potassium phosphate food additive (many purposes)
MgSO4, magnesium sulfate added to purified water
Na2HPO4, sodium hydrogen phosphate anti-caking agent; used in powdered products
Na2SO3, sodium sulfite preservative
Table 2.8
Compounds Containing a Metal Ion with a Variable Charge

Most of the transition metals can form two or more cations with different charges. Compounds of these metals with
nonmetals are named with the same method as compounds in the first category, except the charge of the metal
ion is specified by a Roman numeral in parentheses after the name of the metal. The charge of the metal ion is
determined from the formula of the compound and the charge of the anion. For example, consider binary ionic
compounds of iron and chlorine. Iron typically exhibits a charge of either 2+ or 3+ (see Figure 2.29), and the two
corresponding compound formulas are FeCl2 and FeCl3. The simplest name, “iron chloride,” will, in this case, be
ambiguous, as it does not distinguish between these two compounds. In cases like this, the charge of the metal ion is
included as a Roman numeral in parentheses immediately following the metal name. These two compounds are then
unambiguously named iron(II) chloride and iron(III) chloride, respectively. Other examples are provided in Table
2.9.
Names of Some Transition Metal Ionic Compounds
Transition Metal Ionic Compound Name
FeCl3 iron(II) chloride
Hg2O mercury(I) oxide
HgO mercury(II) oxide
Cu3(PO4)2 copper(II) phosphate
Table 2.9
Out-of-date nomenclature used the suffixes –ic and –ous to designate metals with higher and lower charges,
respectively: Iron(III) chloride, FeCl3, was previously called ferric chloride, and iron(II) chloride, FeCl2, was known
as ferrous chloride. Though this naming convention has been largely abandoned by the scientific community, it
remains in use by some segments of industry. For example, you may see the words stannous fluoride on a tube of
toothpaste. This represents the formula SnF2, which is more properly named tin(II) fluoride. The other fluoride of tin
is SnF4, which was previously called stannic fluoride but is now named tin(IV) fluoride.
Example 2.13
Naming Ionic Compounds

Name the following ionic compounds, which contain a metal that can have more than one ionic charge:
(a) Fe2S3
(b) CuSe
(c) GaN
(d) CrCl3
(e) Ti2(SO4)3
Solution
The anions in these compounds have a fixed negative charge (S2−, Se2− , N3−, Cl−, and SO 4 2− ), and the
compounds must be neutral. Because the total number of positive charges in each compound must equal the
total number of negative charges, the positive ions must be Fe3+, Cu2+, Ga3+, Cr4+, and Ti3+. These charges
are used in the names of the metal ions:
(a) iron(III) sulfide
(b) copper(II) selenide
(c) gallium(III) nitride
(d) chromium(III) chloride
(e) titanium(III) sulfate
Check Your Learning

Write the formulas of the following ionic compounds:

(a) chromium(III) phosphide
(b) mercury(II) sulfide
(c) manganese(II) phosphate
(d) copper(I) oxide
(e) chromium(VI) fluoride
Answer: (a) CrP; (b) HgS; (c) Mn3(PO4)2; (d) Cu2O; (e) CrF6
Chemistry in Everyday Life
Erin Brokovich and Chromium Contamination

In the early 1990s, legal file clerk Erin Brockovich (Figure 2.32) discovered a high rate of serious illnesses
in the small town of Hinckley, California. Her investigation eventually linked the illnesses to groundwater
contaminated by Cr(VI) used by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to fight corrosion in a nearby natural gas
pipeline. As dramatized in the film Erin Brokovich (for which Julia Roberts won an Oscar), Erin and lawyer
Edward Masry sued PG&E for contaminating the water near Hinckley in 1993. The settlement they won in
1996—$333 million—was the largest amount ever awarded for a direct-action lawsuit in the US at that time.
Figure 2.32 (a) Erin Brockovich found that Cr(IV), used by PG&E, had contaminated the Hinckley,
California, water supply. (b) The Cr(VI) ion is often present in water as the polyatomic ions chromate,
CrO 4 2− (left), and dichromate, Cr 2 O 7 2− (right).
Chromium compounds are widely used in industry, such as for chrome plating, in dye-making, as
preservatives, and to prevent corrosion in cooling tower water, as occurred near Hinckley. In the environment,
chromium exists primarily in either the Cr(III) or Cr(VI) forms. Cr(III), an ingredient of many vitamin and
nutritional supplements, forms compounds that are not very soluble in water, and it has low toxicity. But Cr(VI)
is much more toxic and forms compounds that are reasonably soluble in water. Exposure to small amounts of
Cr(VI) can lead to damage of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, as well as the kidneys,
liver, blood, and skin.
Despite cleanup efforts, Cr(VI) groundwater contamination remains a problem in Hinckley and other locations
across the globe. A 2010 study by the Environmental Working Group found that of 35 US cities tested, 31 had
higher levels of Cr(VI) in their tap water than the public health goal of 0.02 parts per billion set by the California
Environmental Protection Agency.
Molecular (Covalent) Compounds

The bonding characteristics of inorganic molecular compounds are different from ionic compounds, and they are
named using a different system as well. The charges of cations and anions dictate their ratios in ionic compounds, so
specifying the names of the ions provides sufficient information to determine chemical formulas. However, because
covalent bonding allows for significant variation in the combination ratios of the atoms in a molecule, the names for
molecular compounds must explicitly identify these ratios.
Compounds Composed of Two Elements

When two nonmetallic elements form a molecular compound, several combination ratios are often possible. For
example, carbon and oxygen can form the compounds CO and CO2. Since these are different substances with different
properties, they cannot both have the same name (they cannot both be called carbon oxide). To deal with this situation,
we use a naming method that is somewhat similar to that used for ionic compounds, but with added prefixes to specify
the numbers of atoms of each element. The name of the more metallic element (the one farther to the left and/or
bottom of the periodic table) is first, followed by the name of the more nonmetallic element (the one farther to the
right and/or top) with its ending changed to the suffix –ide. The numbers of atoms of each element are designated by
the Greek prefixes shown in Table 2.10.
Nomenclature Prefixes
Number Prefix Number Prefix
1 (sometimes omitted) mono- 6 hexa-
2 di- 7 hepta-
3 tri- 8 octa-
4 tetra- 9 nona-
5 penta- 10 deca-
Table 2.10
When only one atom of the first element is present, the prefix mono- is usually deleted from that part. Thus, CO is
named carbon monoxide, and CO2 is called carbon dioxide. When two vowels are adjacent, the a in the Greek prefix
is usually dropped. Some other examples are shown in Table 2.11.
Names of Some Molecular Compounds Composed of Two Elements
Compound Name Compound Name
SO2 sulfur dioxide BCl3 boron trichloride
Table 2.11

Names of Some Molecular Compounds Composed of Two Elements
Compound Name Compound Name
SO3 sulfur trioxide SF6 sulfur hexafluoride
NO2 nitrogen dioxide PF5 phosphorus pentafluoride
N 2O 4 dinitrogen tetroxide P4O10 tetraphosphorus decaoxide
N 2O 5 dinitrogen pentoxide IF7 iodine heptafluoride
Table 2.11
There are a few common names that you will encounter as you continue your study of chemistry. For example,
although NO is often called nitric oxide, its proper name is nitrogen monoxide. Similarly, N2O is known as nitrous
oxide even though our rules would specify the name dinitrogen monoxide. (And H2O is usually called water, not
dihydrogen monoxide.) You should commit to memory the common names of compounds as you encounter them.
Example 2.14
Naming Covalent Compounds

Name the following covalent compounds:
(a) SF6
(b) N2O3
(c) Cl2O7
(d) P4O6
Solution
Because these compounds consist solely of nonmetals, we use prefixes to designate the number of atoms of
each element:
(a) sulfur hexafluoride
(b) dinitrogen trioxide
(c) dichlorine heptoxide
(d) tetraphosphorus hexoxide
Check Your Learning
Write the formulas for the following compounds:
(a) phosphorus pentachloride
(b) dinitrogen monoxide
(c) iodine heptafluoride
(d) carbon tetrachloride
Answer: (a) PCl5; (b) N2O; (c) IF7; (d) CCl4
Link to Learning
The following website (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16chemcompname)

provides practice with naming chemical compounds and writing chemical formulas.
You can choose binary, polyatomic, and variable charge ionic compounds, as well
as molecular compounds.
Binary Acids
Some compounds containing hydrogen are members of an important class of substances known as acids. The
chemistry of these compounds is explored in more detail in later chapters of this text, but for now, it will suffice to
note that many acids release hydrogen ions, H+, when dissolved in water. To denote this distinct chemical property, a
mixture of water with an acid is given a name derived from the compound’s name. If the compound is a binary acid
(comprised of hydrogen and one other nonmetallic element):
1. The word “hydrogen” is changed to the prefix hydro-
2. The other nonmetallic element name is modified by adding the suffix -ic
3. The word “acid” is added as a second word
For example, when the gas HCl (hydrogen chloride) is dissolved in water, the solution is called hydrochloric acid.
Several other examples of this nomenclature are shown in Table 2.12.
Names of Some Simple Acids
Name of Gas Name of Acid
HF(g), hydrogen fluoride HF(aq), hydrofluoric acid
HCl(g), hydrogen chloride HCl(aq), hydrochloric acid
HBr(g), hydrogen bromide HBr(aq), hydrobromic acid
HI(g), hydrogen iodide HI(aq), hydroiodic acid
H2S(g), hydrogen sulfide H2S(aq), hydrosulfuric acid
Table 2.12
Oxyacids
Many compounds containing three or more elements (such as organic compounds or coordination compounds) are
subject to specialized nomenclature rules that you will learn later. However, we will briefly discuss the important
compounds known as oxyacids, compounds that contain hydrogen, oxygen, and at least one other element, and
are bonded in such a way as to impart acidic properties to the compound (you will learn the details of this in a
later chapter). Typical oxyacids consist of hydrogen combined with a polyatomic, oxygen-containing ion. To name
oxyacids:
1. Omit “hydrogen”
2. Start with the root name of the anion
3. Replace –ate with –ic, or –ite with –ous
4. Add “acid”

For example, consider H2CO3 (which you might be tempted to call “hydrogen carbonate”). To name this correctly,
“hydrogen” is omitted; the –ate of carbonate is replace with –ic; and acid is added—so its name is carbonic acid.
Other examples are given in Table 2.13. There are some exceptions to the general naming method (e.g., H2SO4 is
called sulfuric acid, not sulfic acid, and H2SO3 is sulfurous, not sulfous, acid).
Names of Common Oxyacids
Formula Anion Name Acid Name
HC2H3O2 acetate acetic acid
HNO3 nitrate nitric acid
HNO2 nitrite nitrous acid
HClO4 perchlorate perchloric acid
H2CO3 carbonate carbonic acid
H2SO4 sulfate sulfuric acid
H2SO3 sulfite sulfurous acid
H3PO4 phosphate phosphoric acid
Table 2.13
Key Terms
actinide inner transition metal in the bottom of the bottom two rows of the periodic table
alkali metal element in group 1
alkaline earth metal element in group 2
alpha particle (α particle) positively charged particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons
anion negatively charged atom or molecule (contains more electrons than protons)
atomic mass average mass of atoms of an element, expressed in amu
atomic mass unit (amu) (also, unified atomic mass unit, u, or Dalton, Da) unit of mass equal to 1 of the mass of
12
a 12C atom
atomic number (Z) number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
binary acid compound that contains hydrogen and one other element, bonded in a way that imparts acidic
properties to the compound (ability to release H+ ions when dissolved in water)
binary compound compound containing two different elements.
cation positively charged atom or molecule (contains fewer electrons than protons)
chalcogen element in group 16
chemical symbol one-, two-, or three-letter abbreviation used to represent an element or its atoms
covalent bond attractive force between the nuclei of a molecule’s atoms and pairs of electrons between the atoms
covalent compound (also, molecular compound) composed of molecules formed by atoms of two or more different
elements
Dalton (Da) alternative unit equivalent to the atomic mass unit
Dalton’s atomic theory set of postulates that established the fundamental properties of atoms
electron negatively charged, subatomic particle of relatively low mass located outside the nucleus
empirical formula formula showing the composition of a compound given as the simplest whole-number ratio of
atoms
fundamental unit of charge (also called the elementary charge) equals the magnitude of the charge of an electron
(e) with e = 1.602 × 10−19 C
group vertical column of the periodic table
halogen element in group 17
inert gas (also, noble gas) element in group 18
inner transition metal (also, lanthanide or actinide) element in the bottom two rows; if in the first row, also called
lanthanide, of if in the second row, also called actinide

ion electrically charged atom or molecule (contains unequal numbers of protons and electrons)
ionic bond electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions of an ionic compound
ionic compound compound composed of cations and anions combined in ratios, yielding an electrically neutral
substance
isomers compounds with the same chemical formula but different structures
isotopes atoms that contain the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
lanthanide inner transition metal in the top of the bottom two rows of the periodic table
law of constant composition (also, law of definite proportions) all samples of a pure compound contain the same
elements in the same proportions by mass
law of definite proportions (also, law of constant composition) all samples of a pure compound contain the same
elements in the same proportions by mass
law of multiple proportions when two elements react to form more than one compound, a fixed mass of one
element will react with masses of the other element in a ratio of small whole numbers
main-group element (also, representative element) element in columns 1, 2, and 12–18
mass number (A) sum of the numbers of neutrons and protons in the nucleus of an atom
metal element that is shiny, malleable, good conductor of heat and electricity
metalloid element that conducts heat and electricity moderately well, and possesses some properties of metals and
some properties of nonmetals
molecular compound (also, covalent compound) composed of molecules formed by atoms of two or more different
elements
molecular formula formula indicating the composition of a molecule of a compound and giving the actual number
of atoms of each element in a molecule of the compound.
monatomic ion ion composed of a single atom
neutron uncharged, subatomic particle located in the nucleus
noble gas (also, inert gas) element in group 18
nomenclature system of rules for naming objects of interest
nonmetal element that appears dull, poor conductor of heat and electricity
nucleus massive, positively charged center of an atom made up of protons and neutrons
oxyacid compound that contains hydrogen, oxygen, and one other element, bonded in a way that imparts acidic
properties to the compound (ability to release H+ ions when dissolved in water)
oxyanion polyatomic anion composed of a central atom bonded to oxygen atoms
period (also, series) horizontal row of the period table
periodic law properties of the elements are periodic function of their atomic numbers.
periodic table table of the elements that places elements with similar chemical properties close together
pnictogen element in group 15
polyatomic ion ion composed of more than one atom
proton positively charged, subatomic particle located in the nucleus
representative element (also, main-group element) element in columns 1, 2, and 12–18
series (also, period) horizontal row of the period table
spatial isomers compounds in which the relative orientations of the atoms in space differ
structural formula shows the atoms in a molecule and how they are connected
structural isomer one of two substances that have the same molecular formula but different physical and chemical
properties because their atoms are bonded differently
transition metal element in columns 3–11
unified atomic mass unit (u) alternative unit equivalent to the atomic mass unit
Key Equations
• average mass = ∑ (fractional abundance × isotopic mass) i
i
Summary
The ancient Greeks proposed that matter consists of extremely small particles called atoms. Dalton postulated that
each element has a characteristic type of atom that differs in properties from atoms of all other elements, and that
atoms of different elements can combine in fixed, small, whole-number ratios to form compounds. Samples of a
particular compound all have the same elemental proportions by mass. When two elements form different compounds,
a given mass of one element will combine with masses of the other element in a small, whole-number ratio. During
any chemical change, atoms are neither created nor destroyed.

Although no one has actually seen the inside of an atom, experiments have demonstrated much about atomic structure.
Thomson’s cathode ray tube showed that atoms contain small, negatively charged particles called electrons. Millikan
discovered that there is a fundamental electric charge—the charge of an electron. Rutherford’s gold foil experiment
showed that atoms have a small, dense, positively charged nucleus; the positively charged particles within the nucleus
are called protons. Chadwick discovered that the nucleus also contains neutral particles called neutrons. Soddy
demonstrated that atoms of the same element can differ in mass; these are called isotopes.

An atom consists of a small, positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons. The nucleus contains protons and
neutrons; its diameter is about 100,000 times smaller than that of the atom. The mass of one atom is usually expressed
in atomic mass units (amu), which is referred to as the atomic mass. An amu is defined as exactly 1 of the mass of
12
a carbon-12 atom and is equal to 1.6605 × 10−24 g.
Protons are relatively heavy particles with a charge of 1+ and a mass of 1.0073 amu. Neutrons are relatively heavy
particles with no charge and a mass of 1.0087 amu. Electrons are light particles with a charge of 1− and a mass of

0.00055 amu. The number of protons in the nucleus is called the atomic number (Z) and is the property that defines an
atom’s elemental identity. The sum of the numbers of protons and neutrons in the nucleus is called the mass number
and, expressed in amu, is approximately equal to the mass of the atom. An atom is neutral when it contains equal
numbers of electrons and protons.
Isotopes of an element are atoms with the same atomic number but different mass numbers; isotopes of an element,
therefore, differ from each other only in the number of neutrons within the nucleus. When a naturally occurring
element is composed of several isotopes, the atomic mass of the element represents the average of the masses of the
isotopes involved. A chemical symbol identifies the atoms in a substance using symbols, which are one-, two-, or
three-letter abbreviations for the atoms.

A molecular formula uses chemical symbols and subscripts to indicate the exact numbers of different atoms in a
molecule or compound. An empirical formula gives the simplest, whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound. A
structural formula indicates the bonding arrangement of the atoms in the molecule. Ball-and-stick and space-filling
models show the geometric arrangement of atoms in a molecule. Isomers are compounds with the same molecular
formula but different arrangements of atoms.

The discovery of the periodic recurrence of similar properties among the elements led to the formulation of the
periodic table, in which the elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number in rows known as periods
and columns known as groups. Elements in the same group of the periodic table have similar chemical properties.
Elements can be classified as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals, or as a main-group elements, transition metals, and
inner transition metals. Groups are numbered 1–18 from left to right. The elements in group 1 are known as the alkali
metals; those in group 2 are the alkaline earth metals; those in 15 are the pnictogens; those in 16 are the chalcogens;
those in 17 are the halogens; and those in 18 are the noble gases.

Metals (particularly those in groups 1 and 2) tend to lose the number of electrons that would leave them with the
same number of electrons as in the preceding noble gas in the periodic table. By this means, a positively charged
ion is formed. Similarly, nonmetals (especially those in groups 16 and 17, and, to a lesser extent, those in Group 15)
can gain the number of electrons needed to provide atoms with the same number of electrons as in the next noble
gas in the periodic table. Thus, nonmetals tend to form negative ions. Positively charged ions are called cations, and
negatively charge ions are called anions. Ions can be either monatomic (containing only one atom) or polyatomic
(containing more than one atom).
Compounds that contain ions are called ionic compounds. Ionic compounds generally form from metals and
nonmetals. Compounds that do not contain ions, but instead consist of atoms bonded tightly together in molecules
(uncharged groups of atoms that behave as a single unit), are called covalent compounds. Covalent compounds
usually form from two nonmetals.

Chemists use nomenclature rules to clearly name compounds. Ionic and molecular compounds are named using
somewhat-different methods. Binary ionic compounds typically consist of a metal and a nonmetal. The name of
the metal is written first, followed by the name of the nonmetal with its ending changed to –ide. For example,
K2O is called potassium oxide. If the metal can form ions with different charges, a Roman numeral in parentheses
follows the name of the metal to specify its charge. Thus, FeCl2 is iron(II) chloride and FeCl3 is iron(III) chloride.
Some compounds contain polyatomic ions; the names of common polyatomic ions should be memorized. Molecular
compounds can form compounds with different ratios of their elements, so prefixes are used to specify the numbers
of atoms of each element in a molecule of the compound. Examples include SF6, sulfur hexafluoride, and N2O4,
dinitrogen tetroxide. Acids are an important class of compounds containing hydrogen and having special
nomenclature rules. Binary acids are named using the prefix hydro-, changing the –ide suffix to –ic, and adding
“acid;” HCl is hydrochloric acid. Oxyacids are named by changing the ending of the anion to –ic, and adding “acid;”
H2CO3 is carbonic acid.
Exercises
1. In the following drawing, the green spheres represent atoms of a certain element. The purple spheres represent
atoms of another element. If the spheres of different elements touch, they are part of a single unit of a compound.
The following chemical change represented by these spheres may violate one of the ideas of Dalton’s atomic theory.
Which one?
2. Which postulate of Dalton’s theory is consistent with the following observation concerning the weights of
reactants and products? When 100 grams of solid calcium carbonate is heated, 44 grams of carbon dioxide and 56
grams of calcium oxide are produced.
3. Identify the postulate of Dalton’s theory that is violated by the following observations: 59.95% of one sample of
titanium dioxide is titanium; 60.10% of a different sample of titanium dioxide is titanium.
4. Samples of compound X, Y, and Z are analyzed, with results shown here.
Compound Description Mass of Carbon Mass of Hydrogen
X clear, colorless, liquid with strong odor 1.776 g 0.148 g
Y clear, colorless, liquid with strong odor 1.974 g 0.329 g
Z clear, colorless, liquid with strong odor 7.812 g 0.651 g
Do these data provide example(s) of the law of definite proportions, the law of multiple proportions, neither, or
both? What do these data tell you about compounds X, Y, and Z?
5. The existence of isotopes violates one of the original ideas of Dalton’s atomic theory. Which one?
6. How are electrons and protons similar? How are they different?
7. How are protons and neutrons similar? How are they different?
8. Predict and test the behavior of α particles fired at a “plum pudding” model atom.
(a) Predict the paths taken by α particles that are fired at atoms with a Thomson’s plum pudding model structure.
Explain why you expect the α particles to take these paths.
(b) If α particles of higher energy than those in (a) are fired at plum pudding atoms, predict how their paths will
differ from the lower-energy α particle paths. Explain your reasoning.
(c) Now test your predictions from (a) and (b). Open the Rutherford Scattering simulation
(http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16PhetScatter) and select the “Plum Pudding Atom” tab. Set “Alpha Particles
Energy” to “min,” and select “show traces.” Click on the gun to start firing α particles. Does this match your
prediction from (a)? If not, explain why the actual path would be that shown in the simulation. Hit the pause button,
or “Reset All.” Set “Alpha Particles Energy” to “max,” and start firing α particles. Does this match your prediction
from (b)? If not, explain the effect of increased energy on the actual paths as shown in the simulation.
9. Predict and test the behavior of α particles fired at a Rutherford atom model.

(a) Predict the paths taken by α particles that are fired at atoms with a Rutherford atom model structure. Explain why
you expect the α particles to take these paths.
(b) If α particles of higher energy than those in (a) are fired at Rutherford atoms, predict how their paths will differ
from the lower-energy α particle paths. Explain your reasoning.
(c) Predict how the paths taken by the α particles will differ if they are fired at Rutherford atoms of elements other
than gold. What factor do you expect to cause this difference in paths, and why?
(d) Now test your predictions from (a), (b), and (c). Open the Rutherford Scattering simulation
(http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16PhetScatter) and select the “Rutherford Atom” tab. Due to the scale of the
simulation, it is best to start with a small nucleus, so select “20” for both protons and neutrons, “min” for energy,
show traces, and then start firing α particles. Does this match your prediction from (a)? If not, explain why the actual
path would be that shown in the simulation. Pause or reset, set energy to “max,” and start firing α particles. Does
this match your prediction from (b)? If not, explain the effect of increased energy on the actual path as shown in the
simulation. Pause or reset, select “40” for both protons and neutrons, “min” for energy, show traces, and fire away.
Does this match your prediction from (c)? If not, explain why the actual path would be that shown in the simulation.
Repeat this with larger numbers of protons and neutrons. What generalization can you make regarding the type of
atom and effect on the path of α particles? Be clear and specific.
10. In what way are isotopes of a given element always different? In what way(s) are they always the same?
11. Write the symbol for each of the following ions:
(a) the ion with a 1+ charge, atomic number 55, and mass number 133
(b) the ion with 54 electrons, 53 protons, and 74 neutrons
(c) the ion with atomic number 15, mass number 31, and a 3− charge
(d) the ion with 24 electrons, 30 neutrons, and a 3+ charge
12. Write the symbol for each of the following ions:
(a) the ion with a 3+ charge, 28 electrons, and a mass number of 71
(b) the ion with 36 electrons, 35 protons, and 45 neutrons
(c) the ion with 86 electrons, 142 neutrons, and a 4+ charge
(d) the ion with a 2+ charge, atomic number 38, and mass number 87
13. Open the Build an Atom simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16PhetAtomBld) and click on the
Atom icon.
(a) Pick any one of the first 10 elements that you would like to build and state its symbol.
(b) Drag protons, neutrons, and electrons onto the atom template to make an atom of your element.
State the numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons in your atom, as well as the net charge and mass number.
(c) Click on “Net Charge” and “Mass Number,” check your answers to (b), and correct, if needed.
(d) Predict whether your atom will be stable or unstable. State your reasoning.
(e) Check the “Stable/Unstable” box. Was your answer to (d) correct? If not, first predict what you can do to make a
stable atom of your element, and then do it and see if it works. Explain your reasoning.
14. Open the Build an Atom simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16PhetAtomBld)
(a) Drag protons, neutrons, and electrons onto the atom template to make a neutral atom of Oxygen-16 and give the
isotope symbol for this atom.
(b) Now add two more electrons to make an ion and give the symbol for the ion you have created.
15. Open the Build an Atom simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16PhetAtomBld)
(a) Drag protons, neutrons, and electrons onto the atom template to make a neutral atom of Lithium-6 and give the
isotope symbol for this atom.
(b) Now remove one electron to make an ion and give the symbol for the ion you have created.
16. Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the following isotopes that are used in medical
diagnoses:
(a) atomic number 9, mass number 18, charge of 1−
(b) atomic number 43, mass number 99, charge of 7+
(c) atomic number 53, atomic mass number 131, charge of 1−
(d) atomic number 81, atomic mass number 201, charge of 1+
(e) Name the elements in parts (a), (b), (c), and (d).
17. The following are properties of isotopes of two elements that are essential in our diet. Determine the number of
protons, neutrons and electrons in each and name them.
(a) atomic number 26, mass number 58, charge of 2+
(b) atomic number 53, mass number 127, charge of 1−
18. Give the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in neutral atoms of each of the following isotopes:
10
(a) 5B
199
(b) 80 Hg
63
(c) 29 Cu
13
(d) 6C
77
(e) 34 Se
19. Give the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in neutral atoms of each of the following isotopes:
7
(a) 3 Li
125
(b) 52 Te
109
(c) 47 Ag
15
(d) 7N
31
(e) 15 P
20. Click on the site (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16PhetAtomMass) and select the “Mix Isotopes” tab,
hide the “Percent Composition” and “Average Atomic Mass” boxes, and then select the element boron.
(a) Write the symbols of the isotopes of boron that are shown as naturally occurring in significant amounts.
(b) Predict the relative amounts (percentages) of these boron isotopes found in nature. Explain the reasoning behind
your choice.
(c) Add isotopes to the black box to make a mixture that matches your prediction in (b). You may drag isotopes from
their bins or click on “More” and then move the sliders to the appropriate amounts.
(d) Reveal the “Percent Composition” and “Average Atomic Mass” boxes. How well does your mixture match with
your prediction? If necessary, adjust the isotope amounts to match your prediction.

(e) Select “Nature’s” mix of isotopes and compare it to your prediction. How well does your prediction compare
with the naturally occurring mixture? Explain. If necessary, adjust your amounts to make them match “Nature’s”
amounts as closely as possible.
21. Repeat Exercise 2.20 using an element that has three naturally occurring isotopes.
22. An element has the following natural abundances and isotopic masses: 90.92% abundance with 19.99 amu,
0.26% abundance with 20.99 amu, and 8.82% abundance with 21.99 amu. Calculate the average atomic mass of this
element.
23. Average atomic masses listed by IUPAC are based on a study of experimental results. Bromine has two
isotopes 79Br and 81Br, whose masses (78.9183 and 80.9163 amu) and abundances (50.69% and 49.31%) were
determined in earlier experiments. Calculate the average atomic mass of bromine based on these experiments.
24. Variations in average atomic mass may be observed for elements obtained from different sources. Lithium
provides an example of this. The isotopic composition of lithium from naturally occurring minerals is 7.5% 6Li and
92.5% 7Li, which have masses of 6.01512 amu and 7.01600 amu, respectively. A commercial source of lithium,
recycled from a military source, was 3.75% 6Li (and the rest 7Li). Calculate the average atomic mass values for each
of these two sources.
25. The average atomic masses of some elements may vary, depending upon the sources of their ores. Naturally
occurring boron consists of two isotopes with accurately known masses (10B, 10.0129 amu and 11B, 11.0931 amu).
The actual atomic mass of boron can vary from 10.807 to 10.819, depending on whether the mineral source is from
Turkey or the United States. Calculate the percent abundances leading to the two values of the average atomic
masses of boron from these two countries.
26. The 18O:16O abundance ratio in some meteorites is greater than that used to calculate the average atomic mass
of oxygen on earth. Is the average mass of an oxygen atom in these meteorites greater than, less than, or equal to that
of a terrestrial oxygen atom?
27. Explain why the symbol for an atom of the element oxygen and the formula for a molecule of oxygen differ.
28. Explain why the symbol for the element sulfur and the formula for a molecule of sulfur differ.
29. Write the molecular and empirical formulas of the following compounds:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
30. Write the molecular and empirical formulas of the following compounds:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
31. Determine the empirical formulas for the following compounds:

(a) caffeine, C8H10N4O2
(b) fructose, C12H22O11
(c) hydrogen peroxide, H2O2
(d) glucose, C6H12O6
(e) ascorbic acid (vitamin C), C6H8O6
32. Determine the empirical formulas for the following compounds:
(a) acetic acid, C2H4O2
(b) citric acid, C6H8O7
(c) hydrazine, N2H4
(d) nicotine, C10H14N2
(e) butane, C4H10
33. Write the empirical formulas for the following compounds:

(a)
(b)
34. Open the Build a Molecule simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16molbuilding) and select the
“Larger Molecules” tab. Select an appropriate atoms “Kit” to build a molecule with two carbon and six hydrogen
atoms. Drag atoms into the space above the “Kit” to make a molecule. A name will appear when you have made an
actual molecule that exists (even if it is not the one you want). You can use the scissors tool to separate atoms if you
would like to change the connections. Click on “3D” to see the molecule, and look at both the space-filling and ball-
and-stick possibilities.
(a) Draw the structural formula of this molecule and state its name.
(b) Can you arrange these atoms in any way to make a different compound?
35. Use the Build a Molecule simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16molbuilding) to repeat
Exercise 2.34, but build a molecule with two carbons, six hydrogens, and one oxygen.
(b) Can you arrange these atoms to make a different molecule? If so, draw its structural formula and state its name.
(c) How are the molecules drawn in (a) and (b) the same? How do they differ? What are they called (the type of
relationship between these molecules, not their names).
36. Use the Build a Molecule simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16molbuilding) to repeat
Exercise 2.34, but build a molecule with three carbons, seven hydrogens, and one chlorine.
(b) Can you arrange these atoms to make a different molecule? If so, draw its structural formula and state its name.
(c) How are the molecules drawn in (a) and (b) the same? How do they differ? What are they called (the type of
relationship between these molecules, not their names)?
37. Using the periodic table, classify each of the following elements as a metal or a nonmetal, and then further
classify each as a main-group (representative) element, transition metal, or inner transition metal:
(a) uranium
(b) bromine
(c) strontium
(d) neon
(e) gold
(f) americium
(g) rhodium
(h) sulfur
(i) carbon
(j) potassium
38. Using the periodic table, classify each of the following elements as a metal or a nonmetal, and then further
classify each as a main-group (representative) element, transition metal, or inner transition metal:
(a) cobalt
(b) europium
(c) iodine
(d) indium
(e) lithium
(f) oxygen
(h) cadmium
(i) terbium
(j) rhenium
39. Using the periodic table, identify the lightest member of each of the following groups:
(a) noble gases
(b) alkaline earth metals
(c) alkali metals
(d) chalcogens
40. Using the periodic table, identify the heaviest member of each of the following groups:
(a) alkali metals
(b) chalcogens
(c) noble gases
(d) alkaline earth metals
41. Use the periodic table to give the name and symbol for each of the following elements:
(a) the noble gas in the same period as germanium
(b) the alkaline earth metal in the same period as selenium
(c) the halogen in the same period as lithium
(d) the chalcogen in the same period as cadmium
42. Use the periodic table to give the name and symbol for each of the following elements:
(a) the halogen in the same period as the alkali metal with 11 protons
(b) the alkaline earth metal in the same period with the neutral noble gas with 18 electrons
(c) the noble gas in the same row as an isotope with 30 neutrons and 25 protons
(d) the noble gas in the same period as gold
43. Write a symbol for each of the following neutral isotopes. Include the atomic number and mass number for
each.
(a) the alkali metal with 11 protons and a mass number of 23
(b) the noble gas element with and 75 neutrons in its nucleus and 54 electrons in the neutral atom
(c) the isotope with 33 protons and 40 neutrons in its nucleus

(d) the alkaline earth metal with 88 electrons and 138 neutrons
44. Write a symbol for each of the following neutral isotopes. Include the atomic number and mass number for
each.
(a) the chalcogen with a mass number of 125
(b) the halogen whose longest-lived isotope is radioactive
(c) the noble gas, used in lighting, with 10 electrons and 10 neutrons
(d) the lightest alkali metal with three neutrons
45. Using the periodic table, predict whether the following chlorides are ionic or covalent: KCl, NCl 3, ICl, MgCl2,
PCl5, and CCl4.
46. Using the periodic table, predict whether the following chlorides are ionic or covalent: SiCl 4, PCl3, CaCl2,
CsCl, CuCl2, and CrCl3.
47. For each of the following compounds, state whether it is ionic or covalent. If it is ionic, write the symbols for
the ions involved:
(a) NF3
(b) BaO,
(c) (NH4)2CO3
(d) Sr(H2PO4)2
(e) IBr
(f) Na2O
48. For each of the following compounds, state whether it is ionic or covalent, and if it is ionic, write the symbols
for the ions involved:
(a) KClO4
(b) MgC2H3O2
(c) H2S
(d) Ag2S
(e) N2Cl4
(f) Co(NO3)2
49. For each of the following pairs of ions, write the symbol for the formula of the compound they will form:
(a) Ca2+, S2−

(b) NH 4 + , SO 4 2−
(c) Al3+, Br−
(d) Na+, HPO 4 2−
(e) Mg2+, PO 4 3−
50. For each of the following pairs of ions, write the symbol for the formula of the compound they will form:
(a) K+, O2−

(b) NH 4 + , PO 4 3−
(c) Al3+, O2−
(d) Na+, CO 3 2−
(e) Ba2+, PO 4 3−

51. Name the following compounds:
(a) CsCl
(b) BaO
(c) K2S
(d) BeCl2
(e) HBr
(f) AlF3
52. Name the following compounds:
(a) NaF
(b) Rb2O
(c) BCl3
(d) H2Se
(e) P4O6
(f) ICl3
53. Write the formulas of the following compounds:
(a) rubidium bromide
(b) magnesium selenide
(c) sodium oxide
(d) calcium chloride
(e) hydrogen fluoride
(f) gallium phosphide
(g) aluminum bromide
(h) ammonium sulfate
(a) lithium carbonate
(b) sodium perchlorate
(c) barium hydroxide
(d) ammonium carbonate
(e) sulfuric acid
(f) calcium acetate

(g) magnesium phosphate

(h) sodium sulfite
(a) chlorine dioxide
(b) dinitrogen tetraoxide
(c) potassium phosphide
(d) silver(I) sulfide
(e) aluminum nitride
(f) silicon dioxide
(a) barium chloride
(b) magnesium nitride
(c) sulfur dioxide
(d) nitrogen trichloride
(e) dinitrogen trioxide
(f) tin(IV) chloride
57. Each of the following compounds contains a metal that can exhibit more than one ionic charge. Name these
compounds:
(a) Cr2O3
(b) FeCl2
(c) CrO3
(d) TiCl4
(e) CoO
(f) MoS2
58. Each of the following compounds contains a metal that can exhibit more than one ionic charge. Name these
compounds:
(a) NiCO3
(b) MoO3
(c) Co(NO3)2
(d) V2O5
(e) MnO2
(f) Fe2O3
59. The following ionic compounds are found in common household products. Write the formulas for each
compound:
(a) potassium phosphate
(b) copper(II) sulfate
(c) calcium chloride
(d) titanium dioxide

(e) ammonium nitrate
(f) sodium bisulfate (the common name for sodium hydrogen sulfate)
60. The following ionic compounds are found in common household products. Name each of the compounds:
(a) Ca(H2PO4)2
(b) FeSO4
(c) CaCO3
(d) MgO
(e) NaNO2
(f) KI
61. What are the IUPAC names of the following compounds?
(a) manganese dioxide
(b) mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2)
(c) ferric nitrate [Fe(NO3)3]
(d) titanium tetrachloride
(e) cupric bromide (CuBr2)

Atom, Molecul and Ion

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Chapter 2 Atoms, Molecules, and Ions 67

Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

2.1 Early Ideas in Atomic Theory

Atomic Theory through the Nineteenth Century

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Testing Dalton’s Atomic Theory

Constant Composition of Isooctane

Sample Carbon Hydrogen Mass Ratio

A 14.82 g 2.78 g 14.82 g carbon 5.33 g carbon

B 22.33 g 4.19 g 22.33 g carbon 5.33 g carbon

C 19.40 g 3.64 g 19.40 g carbon 5.33 g carbon

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Laws of Definite and Multiple Proportions

In compound B, the mass ratio of carbon to oxygen is:

The ratio of these ratios is:

2.2 Evolution of Atomic Theory

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Atomic Theory after the Nineteenth Century

Click here (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16JJThomson) to hear Thomson

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View this simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16Rutherford) of the

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The Rutherford Scattering simulation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/

2.3 Atomic Structure and Symbolism

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Properties of Subatomic Particles

electron outside nucleus −1.602 × 10−19 1− 0.00055 0.00091 × 10−24

proton nucleus 1.602 × 10−19 1+ 1.00727 1.67262 × 10−24

neutron nucleus 0 0 1.00866 1.67493 × 10−24

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Some Common Elements and Their Symbols

Element Symbol Element Symbol

aluminum Al iron Fe (from ferrum)

bromine Br lead Pb (from plumbum)

carbon C mercury Hg (from hydrargyrum)

cobalt Co potassium K (from kalium)

copper Cu (from cuprum) silicon Si

fluorine F silver Ag (from argentum)

gold Au (from aurum) sodium Na (from natrium)

Some Common Elements and Their Symbols

Element Symbol Element Symbol

hydrogen H tin Sn (from stannum)

Visit this site (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16IUPAC) to learn more about IUPAC,

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Nuclear Compositions of Atoms of the Very Light Elements

Element Symbol Atomic Number of Number of Mass % Natural

Nuclear Compositions of Atoms of the Very Light Elements

Element Symbol Atomic Number of Number of Mass % Natural

Use this Build an Atom simulator (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/

average mass = ∑ (fractional abundance × isotopic mass) i

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Calculation of Average Atomic Mass

Calculation of Percent Abundance

Check Your Learning

Visit this site (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16PhetAtomMass) to make mixtures

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See an animation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l/16MassSpec) that explains

2.4 Chemical Formulas

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Empirical and Molecular Formulas