Chemical Reactions and Aqueous Solutions

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to chemical reactions and aqueous solutions, aiding in understanding basic chemistry principles.

Chemical Equation

A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction.

Reactants

Substances that undergo a chemical change in a reaction.

Products

Substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Coefficients

Numbers placed before the formulas in a chemical equation to indicate the proportions of reactants and products.

Balancing Equations

Adjusting the coefficients in a chemical equation to ensure the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Precipitation Reaction

A type of reaction in which an insoluble solid forms when two solutions are mixed.

Acid-Base Reaction

A reaction that occurs between an acid and a base, producing a salt and water.

Oxidation

The process in which an element loses electrons, increasing its oxidation state.

Reduction

The process in which an element gains electrons, decreasing its oxidation state.

Combustion Reaction

A reaction where a substance combines with oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide and water.

Electrolyte

A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water due to the mobility of ions.

Strong Acid

An acid that completely dissociates into its ions in solution.

Weak Acid

An acid that partially dissociates in solution, resulting in a small number of ions.

Solubility

The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, such as water.

Dissociation

The separation of ions that occurs when an ionic compound dissolves in water.

Net Ionic Equation

An equation that excludes spectator ions and shows only the species that participate in the reaction.

Driving Forces

Factors that determine the spontaneity of a reaction, such as enthalpy and entropy.

Soluble Compound

A compound that dissolves readily in water.

Insoluble Compound

A compound that does not dissolve significantly in water.

Activity Series

A list of metals ranked by their reactivity with other elements.