Reactions of Transition Elements Flashcards
Formulas of common transition element reactions.
What’s the product of…
Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) →
iron + hydrochloric acid →
→ FeCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
→ iron(II) chloride + hydrogen
This is a displacement reaction.
Iron is only a moderately reactive metal, but it will still react with steam or acids to displace hydrogen gas.
What’s the product of…
2Cu(s) + O₂(g) →
copper + oxygen →
This reaction requires heat in order to take place.
→ 2CuO(s)
→ copper(II) oxide
This is a synthesis reaction.
Copper has a distinctive colour. It is one of the least reactive metals in common use. It does not react with dilute acids to produce hydrogen. If the metal is heated in air, a black layer of copper(II) oxide is formed on the metal.
What’s the product of…
CuCO₃(s) →
copper(II) carbonate →
This reaction requires heat in order to take place.
CuCO₃ is green in colour.
→ CuO(s) + CO₂(g)
→ copper(II) oxide + carbon dioxide
This is a decomposition reaction.
CuO(s) is black in colour.
Copper statues and roofs become coated in a green layer of basic copper(II) carbonate when exposed to the atmosphere for a long time.
Copper(II) carbonate is also found in the Earth’s crust as the metal malachite. Like most other carbonates, copper(II) carbonate will decompose on heating to release carbon dioxide.
What’s the product of…
Zn(s) + H₂O(g) →
zinc + steam →
This reaction requires heat in order to take place.
→ ZnO(s) + H₂(g)
→ zinc oxide + hydrogen
This is a displacement reaction.
Zinc is a moderately reactive metal that will displace hydrogen from steam or dilute acids.
What’s the product of…
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) →
zinc + hydrochloric acid →
→ ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
→ zinc chloride + hydrogen
This is a displacement reaction.
Zinc is a moderately reactive metal that will displace hydrogen from steam or dilute acids.
What’s the product of…
ZnCO₃(s) →
zinc carbonate →
This reaction requires heat in order to take place.
ZnCO₃ is white in colour.
→ ZnO(s) + CO₂(g)
→ zinc oxide + carbon dioxide
This is a decomposition reaction.
ZnO is white in colour.
Zinc carbonate decomposes on heating to give off carbon dioxide.
Interestingly, when hot, the zinc oxide produced is yellow. However, when it cools down it turns white again. This is simply a physical change that occurs on heating; it is not a chemical reaction.
