Chapter U1.6, Problem 3E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number and name of elements in the chemical formula for sodium nitrate NaNO₃ is to be written.

Concept Introduction:

All matter is composed of elements. There are about 118 known elements. These elements combine in specific ratios to form compounds. Elements are denoted by chemical symbols and compounds are denoted by chemical formula.

Answer to Problem 3E

There are three elements in the compound NaNO₃.

These are sodium (Na), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O).

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Sodium nitrate has a chemical formula of NaNO₃.

Elements combine to form compounds with specific ratios. A compound is represented by a chemical formula. The chemical formula tells us about the elements that form the compound. By looking at the chemical formula one can tell how many elements are there in the compound. Each element is denoted by a different symbol in the formula. By knowing the symbols of elements one can identify elements.

The chemical formula also tells us the ratio in which the elements combine to form the compound.

Sodium nitrate has a chemical formula of NaNO₃. By looking at the formula one can say that there are three elements present in this compound. They are sodium (Na), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). These elements are present in the ratio of 1:1:3.

Conclusion

Thus one can clearly say that there are three elements in the compound NaNO₃.

These are sodium (Na), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O)present in the ratio of 1:1:3.