Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions - Exercises - Page 77: 2.79c

Answer

Sulfur dioxide: $SO_{2}$ Water: $H_{2}O$ Sulfurous acid: $H_{2}SO_{3}$

Work Step by Step

Sulfur dioxide means two atoms of oxygen element are present along with one atom of sulfur, thus the chemical formula would be $SO_{2}$ Water has a hydrogen ion with a +1 charge and hydroxide ion has a -1 charge, the charges are balanced and water has a formula $H_{2}O$. Sulfurous acid means it has a Sulfite ion and hydrogen ion. Sulfite ion has a -2 charge ($SO_{3}^{-2}$), to form an acid, hydrogen ions are required. Hydrogen ion has a +1 charge ($H^{+}$). In order to balance it, two hydrogen ions are required. Thus, the formula of sulfurous acid is $H_{2}SO_{3}$
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