Grade 8 Natural Science: Chemical Reactions Practice

A set of flashcards covering the definitions, reactants, products, and observations of the eggshell and vinegar chemical reaction experiment as detailed in the Grade 8 Natural Science lecture notes.

What is the definition of a chemical reaction?

A chemical reaction is a process where substances change from one substance into another.

Write the full word equation for the reaction between an eggshell and vinegar.

$$\text{Calcium carbonate (eggshell) + acetic acid (vinegar)} \rightarrow \text{calcium acetate + carbon dioxide + water}$$

What are reactants in a chemical reaction?

Reactants are the substances present at the start of a chemical reaction.

What are the specific reactants used in this eggshell and vinegar experiment?

Eggshell (calcium carbonate) and Acetic acid (vinegar).

What are products in a chemical reaction?

Products are the NEW substances formed during the reaction.

What are the three specific products formed in this experiment?

Calcium acetate, carbon dioxide gas, and water.

List four signs that a chemical reaction has taken place in the experiment.

1. Bubbling/fizzing; 2. Change in smell; 3. Shell dissolves slowly; 4. Carbon dioxide gas is produced.

What compound is primarily found in an eggshell?

Calcium carbonate.

What does the chemical formula $CaCO_3$ tell us about its composition?

It contains 1 calcium ($Ca$) atom, 1 carbon ($C$) atom, and 3 oxygen ($O$) atoms.

In a chemical equation, what does the arrow ($\rightarrow$) mean?

It means ‘Produces’ or ‘changes into’.

Which gas is responsible for inflating the balloon in the experiment?

Carbon dioxide gas.

What is the scientific name for vinegar in this reaction?

Acetic acid.

What is the definition of a compound?

A compound is a substance made of two or more elements joined together.

Why was the gas trapped in the balloon during the experiment?

The balloon sealed the top of the bottle, preventing the carbon dioxide gas from escaping.

On which side of the chemical equation are the reactants always written?

The left side.

On which side of the chemical equation are the products always written?

The right side.