What is the formula of this binary molecular compound? dinitrogen pentoxide
A. ${ }_5 N_2 O$
B. $N _2 O 5$
C. $N (11) O ( V )$
D. $Ni _2 O _3$
Answer (2)
'Di' means two, so dinitrogen is N 2 .
'Penta' means five, so pentoxide is O 5 .
Combine the elements to form the compound.
The chemical formula for dinitrogen pentoxide is N 2 O 5 .
Explanation
Understanding the Compound Name We are asked to determine the chemical formula of dinitrogen pentoxide. The name itself gives us clues about the number of atoms of each element present in the compound.
Nitrogen Atoms The prefix 'di-' means two, so 'dinitrogen' indicates that there are two nitrogen atoms in the compound. Nitrogen's symbol is N, so we have N 2 .
Oxygen Atoms The prefix 'penta-' means five, so 'pentoxide' indicates that there are five oxygen atoms in the compound. Oxygen's symbol is O, so we have O 5 .
The Chemical Formula Combining these, the chemical formula for dinitrogen pentoxide is N 2 O 5 .
Examples
Understanding chemical formulas like dinitrogen pentoxide ( N 2 O 5 ) is crucial in various real-world applications. For instance, in the field of rocket propulsion, N 2 O 5 can be used as an oxidizer. In the chemical industry, it serves as a reagent in nitration reactions. Knowing the correct formula ensures accurate calculations in stoichiometry, which is essential for predicting the outcome of chemical reactions and designing efficient processes.
The chemical formula for dinitrogen pentoxide is N 2 O 5 , derived from its name indicating two nitrogen atoms and five oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct option is B. N 2 O 5 .
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