The Chemical Formula for Nitrous Oxide?

[FrogDog]

I've only taken a low level high school chemistry course, so I can't figure this out on my own. In Nitrous Oxide, why is the 'ous' there? We didn't do any compounds like this. The only time we used 'ous' was for naming acids. So, anyone know?

 

[thEnEuRoMancER]

The formula is N20.

 

[N8Magic]

N20.

I am not sure why they used nitrous oxide instead of dinitrogen monoxide, I guess it rolls off the tongue easier.

PS. You just saw "The Fast and the Furious" didn't you?

 

[FrogDog]

<< PS. You just saw &quot;The Fast and the Furious&quot; didn't you? >>

No, but I never the less was refering to nitros used in cars.

 

[blueghost75]

hmm....... i know what oyu are thinking...

 

[Platypus]

Nitrogen is a diatomic element.

 

[Johnnie]

ahhh...fond memories of the N2O balloons at the Dead shows