Evidence of Reactions, Reaction Parts, and Balancing (Dr. Dunlap Notes — Clean Study Version)

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to chemical reactions, their signs, parts, types, balancing equations, and ionic behavior in solutions.

Chemical Reaction Signs

Five major signs indicating a chemical reaction: color change, formation of a solid, gas formation, light production, and heat/fire.

Precipitate

A solid formed from the mixing of two clear liquids in a chemical reaction.

Reactants

Substances that start a chemical reaction, found on the LEFT side of a chemical equation.

Products

Substances formed from a chemical reaction, found on the RIGHT side of a chemical equation.

Law of Conservation of Mass

Matter cannot be created or destroyed, meaning the number of atoms must be the same on both sides of a chemical equation.

Balancing Equations

The process of ensuring that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of a chemical equation.

Coefficients

Numbers placed in front of formulas that indicate how many molecules participate in a reaction.

Single Replacement Reaction

A reaction where one element replaces another in a compound.

Combustion Reaction

A reaction where a hydrocarbon burns in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Decomposition Reaction

A reaction where one compound breaks down into simpler substances.

Synthesis Reaction

A reaction where two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex substance.

Double Replacement Reaction

A reaction where two compounds exchange ions to form two new compounds.

Electrolytes

Substances that produce ions when dissolved in water, allowing electricity to flow.

Strong Electrolytes

Substances that completely dissociate into ions in solution, resulting in good conductivity.

Weak Electrolytes

Substances that partially dissociate into ions in solution, resulting in weaker conductivity.

Non-Electrolytes

Substances that dissolve in water but do not form ions.

Precipitation Reaction

A reaction where two aqueous ionic solutions mix and form an insoluble solid.

Acid-Base Neutralization

A reaction between an acid and a base that produces a salt and water.

Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons, where one atom loses electrons (oxidation) and another gains electrons (reduction).

Oxidation

The loss of electrons in a chemical reaction.

Reduction

The gain of electrons in a chemical reaction.

Activity Series

A ranking of elements according to their reactivity, used to predict single displacement reactions.

Single Displacement Reaction Rule

A lone element can replace another element in a compound if it is higher on the activity series.