Chapter U1.23, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The use of the Roman numeral in a chemical name needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: Fewelements show more than one oxidation state. To identify the particular ion during a chemical reaction, roman numbers can be written after the symbol.

Answer to Problem 1E

Transition metals exhibit more than one oxidation state example, copper can form two common ions, Cu + 1 and Cu + 2. These two different oxidation state ions would be named as Copper (I)ion, Copper (II) ion. These ions also named differently Cuprous and cupric. The oxidation state is represented by roman numeral to differentiate between cuprous and cupric while writing the name.

Explanation of Solution

The Roman numeral denotes the charge and oxidation state of the transition metal ion. There are different metals like iron, copper, tin, lead, etc. which shows different oxidation states. Due to the different oxidation state, these metals form different compounds.

Example: CuCl₂, CuCl, FeCl₂, FeCl₃etc.