Chemical Reactions Flashcards
What is a chemical reaction?
A process in which substances interact to form new substances with new and/or different properties
How is a word equation written?
Using full names of elements
How is a chemical equation written?
Using chemical formulas only
What is the Law of Conservation of Matter? (3 things)
- Matter can not be created nor destroyed
- New substances can be created, but it is just a rearrangement of existing molecules and atoms
- Atoms can’t be created or destroyed
What two masses have to be equal in a chemical reaction?
Mass of reactants and mass of products
What are the steps for balancing chemical equations? (5 steps)
- Write the skeleton (unbalanced) equation
- Count the individual atoms to see what needs to be changed
- Start with the metalsl, then non-metals, leave oxygen to second last and hydrogen last
- Only change the coefficient, never subscripts, until there are equal numbers of each element on each side
- Double check
What are synthesis reactions?
The combination of smaller molecules or elements into one larger compound or molecule
A + B = AB
What are decomposition reactions?
Opposite of synthesis reaction, splitting of larger molecules into elements or smaller molecules
AB = A + B
What are single displacement reactions?
One element replaces another element in a compound producing a new compound, the other element is left over
AB + C = CB + A
What is a double displacement reaction?
One element replaces another in a compound, producing two new compounds
AB + CD = AD + CB
What is a complete combustion reaction?
Reaction of a hydrocarbon with oxygen, must have ideal conditions for reaction to occur
What are the products of a complete combustion reaction?
Water and carbon dioxide
What are incomplete combustion reactions?
Reaction of fuel with limited amount of oxygen, reactants are hydrocarbon and oxygen (same as complete combustion reaction)
What are the possible products of incomplete combustion reactions?
Water and carbon dioxide (guaranteed), carbon and carbon monoxide (possibilities, at least one)
What can other substances reacting with oxygen form?
Oxides
