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chemical formulas covalent compounds
phosphorus trichloride
phosphorus pentachloride
diphosphorus tetrachloride
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part b
jupiter’s moon io was discovered to have high concentrations of sulfur oxides in its atmosphere. this, in combination with research into sulfur oxides relating to pollution on earth, has led to renewed interest in sulfur oxide compounds.
scientists researching compounds present at low temperatures created disulfur dioxide. write the chemical formula for this compound.
express your answer as a chemical formula.
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Explanation:

Part A (Matching Chemical Formulas to Covalent Compounds)

Step 1: Analyze Phosphorus Trichloride

Phosphorus trichloride has one phosphorus (P) and three chlorine (Cl) atoms. So its formula is $PCl_3$.

Step 2: Analyze Phosphorus Pentachloride

Phosphorus pentachloride has one phosphorus (P) and five chlorine (Cl) atoms. So its formula is $PCl_5$.

Step 3: Analyze Diphosphorus Tetrachloride

Diphosphorus tetrachloride has two phosphorus (P) and four chlorine (Cl) atoms. So its formula is $P_2Cl_4$.

Part B (Chemical Formula for Disulfur Dioxide)

Step 1: Identify Atoms and Prefixes

"Disulfur" means 2 sulfur (S) atoms, and "dioxide" means 2 oxygen (O) atoms.

Step 2: Write the Formula

Combine the atoms with their respective counts. So the formula is $S_2O_2$.

Part A Answers:

• Phosphorus trichloride: $PCl_3$
• Phosphorus pentachloride: $PCl_5$
• Diphosphorus tetrachloride: $P_2Cl_4$

Part B Answer:

$S_2O_2$

Answer:

Step 1: Identify Atoms and Prefixes

"Disulfur" means 2 sulfur (S) atoms, and "dioxide" means 2 oxygen (O) atoms.

Step 2: Write the Formula

Combine the atoms with their respective counts. So the formula is $S_2O_2$.

Part A Answers:

• Phosphorus trichloride: $PCl_3$
• Phosphorus pentachloride: $PCl_5$
• Diphosphorus tetrachloride: $P_2Cl_4$

Part B Answer:

$S_2O_2$