Chemical Reactions and Equations Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the fundamentals of chemical reactions, types of reactions, and chemical equations based on the provided lecture notes.

Chemical Reaction

A process that occurs whenever a chemical change takes place, resulting in a change in the nature and identity of the initial substance.

Reactants

The substances that undergo a chemical change in a reaction, written on the left-hand side ($LHS$) of a chemical equation.

Product

The new substance formed during a chemical reaction, written on the right-hand side ($RHS$) of a chemical equation.

Skeletal Chemical Equation

An unbalanced chemical equation where the number of atoms of each element is not the same on both sides, meaning the mass is not equal on both sides.

Law of Conservation of Mass

The principle stating that mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction; therefore, the total mass of products must equal the total mass of reactants.

Balanced Chemical Equation

An equation in which the number of atoms of each element remains the same before and after a chemical reaction.

Hit-and-trial Method

A method of balancing chemical equations by making trials to balance the equation using the smallest whole number coefficient.

Aqueous ($aq$)

A notation used to indicate that a reactant or product is present as a solution in water.

Combination Reaction

A reaction in which a single product is formed from two or more reactants.

Calcium Oxide

Commonly known as quick lime, represented by the chemical formula $CaO(s)$, it reacts vigorously with water to produce slaked lime.

Calcium Hydroxide

Commonly known as slaked lime, represented by the chemical formula $Ca(OH)_2(aq)$, it is produced by the reaction of calcium oxide and water.

Exothermic Chemical Reaction

A reaction in which heat is released along with the formation of products, such as the burning of natural gas or respiration.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction in which energy is absorbed from the surroundings in the form of heat, light, or electricity.

Decomposition Reaction

A reaction in which a single reactant breaks down to give two or more simpler products.

Thermal Decomposition

A decomposition reaction that is carried out by heating a substance.

Displacement Reaction

A chemical reaction in which a more reactive element displaces or removes another element from its compound.

Precipitate

An insoluble substance formed during a chemical reaction between two solutions.

Double Displacement Reaction

A reaction in which there is an exchange of ions between the reactants to form new compounds.

Oxidation

The process involving the gain of oxygen or the loss of hydrogen by a substance during a chemical reaction.

Reduction

The process involving the loss of oxygen or the gain of hydrogen by a substance during a chemical reaction.

Redox Reaction

A reaction in which one reactant gets oxidised while the other gets reduced; also known as an oxidation-reduction reaction.

Corrosion

The process where a metal is attacked and deteriorated by substances in its atmosphere, such as moisture or acids (e.g., the rusting of iron).

Rancidity

The condition occurring when fats and oils are oxidised, leading to changes in their smell and taste.