Small chemistry question
Okay for anyone who knows anything about chemistry, can you please explain this to me?
The molecule HCO3- is called "Bicarbonate" But that doesn't make sense to me.. If Bi means 2, I don't see 2 of any element in that molecule. There is 3 Oxygen atoms, but that would result in a "tri" prefix not bi. Can someone explain this to me please? gracias. |
Quote:
Carbonate is a polyatomic anion. This means that carbonate is a negatively charged molecule. Any stoichiometry needs to be done to the entire molecule rather than the constituent atoms. Whenever you add a hydrogen atom to a polyatomic anion, it is acceptable to add the prefix bi- to the name of the ion. In contrast, generally di- is the prefix used to signify 'two' in chemistry. Hope that helps. |
Edited my earlier response...
Might be of more help now. |
Alright that makes sense then. My major is Chem/Bio so I know most of the down and dirty stuff, but coming across this molecule was bugging the hell out of me.
Thanks! |
hm..
I might post some of my Chem. homework on here. Once i get some more. Passed last semester BARELY with a 61.02. got a 58% on the final. :| its the hardest class i have |
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