Chemical Equations and Reactions

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms, concepts, definitions, and balanced chemical equations for reactions and chemical stoichiometry.

Chemical reaction

A process where reactants change into new substances called products.

Reactants

The starting substances in a chemical reaction.

Products

The new substances formed in a chemical reaction.

Coefficient

A number in a chemical equation that shows how many particles or molecules of a substance are involved.

$$(s)$$

Solid state in a chemical equation.

$$(l)$$

Liquid state in a chemical equation.

$$(g)$$

Gas state in a chemical equation.

$$(aq)$$

Aqueous: dissolved in water.

Balancing a chemical equation

Making sure there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides.

Law of conservation of mass

The principle stating that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

Synthesis reaction

A reaction where two or more reactants combine to form one product.

Decomposition reaction

A reaction where one reactant breaks down into two or more products.

Neutralisation reaction

A reaction where an acid reacts with a base to produce salt and water.

Metal displacement reaction

A reaction where a more reactive metal replaces a less reactive metal in a compound.

Precipitation reaction

A reaction where two aqueous solutions react to form an insoluble solid called a precipitate.

Combustion

A reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen, releasing energy.

Products of butane combustion

Carbon dioxide and water.

Synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen

Represented by the balanced chemical equation $N_2 + 3H_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3$.

Decomposition of calcium carbonate

Represented by the balanced chemical equation $CaCO_3 \rightarrow CaO + CO_2$.

Neutralisation of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide

Represented by the balanced chemical equation $HCl + NaOH \rightarrow NaCl + H_2O$.

Reaction of magnesium and oxygen

Represented by the balanced chemical equation $2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO$.

Nitric acid

A chemical compound with the formula $HNO_3$.

Potassium permanganate

A chemical compound with the formula $KMnO_4$.

Reaction of silver nitrate with potassium chloride

A reaction where silver chloride and potassium nitrate form: $AgNO_3 + KCl \rightarrow AgCl + KNO_3$.

Reaction of zinc with copper sulfate

A reaction where zinc sulfate and copper form: $Zn + CuSO_4 \rightarrow ZnSO_4 + Cu$.