Chemical Equations Flashcards
How do you identify a single displacement reaction?
- Only one reactive element displaces another element in a compound.
- On the left side of the equation, it will take the format [A + BX] if a metal is displacing another metal, or [AX + Y] if non-metal is displacing another
How do you identify a double displacement reaction?
The cations of two different compounds switch, forming two new compounds. It will have the format WX + YZ – WZ + YX
How do you identify a synthesis reaction?
Two or more reactants combine to produce a larger product. [ X + Y – XY ]. It goes form something smaller to larger.
How do you identify a decomposition reaction?
Compounds are broken down into two or more smaller/simpler compounds or elements. [ XY – X + Y ]
How can you tell if a single displacement reaction will occur?
Use the activity series. If the lone element is more reactive than the other of it’s type (metal or non-metal), it will replace it.
How can you tell if a double displacement reaction will occur?
Double displacement reactions will always occur.
How do you balance an equation?
Add co-efficients to the formulas of the compounds in the reactants and products of skeleton equations to make the number of atoms in the reactants equal with the number of atoms in the products.
What format do you write a single displacement in if the non-metals are switching?
AX + Y –> AY + X
What format do you write a single displacement in if the metals are switching?
A + BX –> AX + B
How do you identify the state of the reactants and products?
It will be stated in the question, otherwise it would be obvious if there is a state (oxygen or CO2 = gases; water = liquid, etc.), solid if precipitate. Everything else can be called aqueous.
List the diatomic molecules
H2, N2, O2, all the halogens (second farthest to the right of the periodic table)
