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QuestionChemistry

What is the correct name for the compound P^2 O^5? A. diphosphorus pentoxide B. phosphorus pentoxide C. diphosphorus oxide D. phosphorus oxide
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step by step:

Step 2:
: Analyze the chemical formula

- The formula is $$P_{2}O_{5}
- This means the compound contains 2 phosphorus atoms and 5 oxygen atoms

Step 3:
: Determine the naming convention for this type of compound

- This is a binary molecular compound (contains two non-metal elements) - For binary molecular compounds, we use prefixes to indicate the number of atoms

Step 4:
: Apply the naming rules

- "Di-" prefix indicates 2 phosphorus atoms - "Penta-" prefix indicates 5 oxygen atoms - The element with the lower number of atoms (phosphorus) comes first - The element with the higher number of atoms (oxygen) comes second with "-ide" ending

Step 5:
: Construct the full name

- Combining the prefixes and rules: "diphosphorus pentoxide"

Step 6:
: Check the given options

- Option A matches our derived name exactly

Final Answer

Explanation: The systematic name follows the rules for naming binary molecular compounds, using numerical prefixes to indicate the number of atoms of each element.