This worksheet and answer key will guide you through the process of naming various acids, covering both binary acids (acids containing only hydrogen and a nonmetal) and oxyacids (acids containing hydrogen, oxygen, and another element). Mastering acid nomenclature is crucial for success in chemistry. This resource provides a detailed explanation of the naming conventions, followed by practice problems and their solutions.
Understanding Acid Nomenclature
Before diving into the worksheet, let's review the fundamental rules for naming acids:
1. Binary Acids: These acids contain only hydrogen and a nonmetal. Their names follow this pattern:
- Hydro + (nonmetal stem) + ic acid
For example:
- HCl: Hydrochloric acid
- HBr: Hydrobromic acid
- HI: Hydroiodic acid
2. Oxyacids: These acids contain hydrogen, oxygen, and a nonmetal (or a polyatomic ion). Their names depend on the oxidation state (or oxidation number) of the central nonmetal atom. We'll focus on the most common cases:
-
If the oxyanion ends in "-ate," the acid name ends in "-ic acid." For example:
- HNO₃ (Nitrate ion): Nitric acid
- H₂SO₄ (Sulfate ion): Sulfuric acid
- H₃PO₄ (Phosphate ion): Phosphoric acid
-
If the oxyanion ends in "-ite," the acid name ends in "-ous acid." For example:
- HNO₂ (Nitrite ion): Nitrous acid
- H₂SO₃ (Sulfite ion): Sulfurous acid
- H₃PO₃ (Phosphite ion): Phosphorous acid
Important Note: The oxidation state of the central atom determines whether the "-ate" or "-ite" suffix is used in the anion, which in turn dictates the "-ic acid" or "-ous acid" suffix for the acid. You'll need to be familiar with common polyatomic ions and their charges.
Naming Acids Worksheet
Instructions: Name the following acids:
- HF
- H₂S
- HBr
- HClO₄
- HClO₃
- HClO₂
- HClO
- H₂SO₃
- H₃PO₄
- HNO₂
Naming Acids Worksheet Answer Key
Here are the answers to the naming acids worksheet:
- HF: Hydrofluoric acid
- H₂S: Hydrosulfuric acid
- HBr: Hydrobromic acid
- HClO₄: Perchloric acid (Note: Per- indicates a higher oxidation state than chloric acid.)
- HClO₃: Chloric acid
- HClO₂: Chlorous acid
- HClO: Hypochlorous acid (Note: Hypo- indicates a lower oxidation state than chlorous acid.)
- H₂SO₃: Sulfurous acid
- H₃PO₄: Phosphoric acid
- HNO₂: Nitrous acid
This comprehensive worksheet and answer key provide a solid foundation for understanding and mastering the nomenclature of acids. Remember to practice regularly and consult a periodic table and a list of common polyatomic ions as needed. Consistent practice is key to mastering this essential chemistry skill.
