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The Language of Chemistry
Special non-metal groups of atoms
A few groups of non-metals exist which have bonding arms and are able to bond with metals. These are called radicals. Four of these radical groups are shown below:
Image |
Name |
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hydroxide radical
(1 bonding arm) |
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carbonate radical
(2 bonding arms) |
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sulphate radical
(2 bonding arms) |
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nitrate radical
(1 bonding arm) |
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Test Yourself
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The table below shows how these radical groups bond with metals to form compounds.
Image |
Name |
Notes |
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potassium hydroxide |
Both potassium and the hydroxide radical have one bonding arm each.
Ratio 1 : 1 |
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copper II carbonate |
Both copper and the the carbonate radical have two bonding arms.
Ratio 1 : 1 |
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sodium sulphate |
Sodium has one bonding arm and the sulphate radical has two.
Ratio 2 : 1 |
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calcium nitrate |
Calcium has two bonding arms and the nitrate radical has one.
Ratio 1 : 2 |
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Homework
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