Chemistry 3A: Free Atoms - Balancing Equations and Reactions

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from the lecture on chemical reactions, balancing equations, and redox reactions.

Chemical Reaction

A process that involves rearrangement of the molecular/ionic structure of a substance.

Reactants

A substance that takes part in and undergoes a chemical change.

Products

Species formed from chemical reactions.

Balanced Equation

A chemical equation in which the numbers of each type of atom on both sides are equal.

Precipitation Reaction

A 'DD' reaction that forms a solid product.

Single Displacement Reaction

A reaction in which one element displaces another in a compound.

Double Displacement Reaction

A reaction in which two elements or groups of elements in two different compounds exchange places to form two new compounds.

Oxidation/Reduction (Redox) Reactions

A reaction where electrons are transferred from one substance to another.

Combustion Reaction

A reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen to emit heat and form one or more oxygen-containing compounds.

Net Ionic Equation

An equation that shows only species that actually participate in a reaction.

Electrochemical Cell

A device that creates electrical current from a redox reaction.

Anode

The electrode where oxidation occurs in an electrochemical cell.

Cathode

The electrode where reduction occurs in an electrochemical cell.

Spectator Ions

Ions that do not participate in a reaction; appearing unchanged on both sides.

Gas Evolution Reaction

A reaction that occurs in solution and forms a gas as one of the products.

Oxidation State

A number used as an aid in writing formulas and balancing equations, computed for each element based on the number of electrons assigned.

Electrical Current

The flow of electrical charge, illustrated by electrons or ions flowing.

Salts and Strong Electrolytes

Used in a salt bridge to complete the circuit allowing for ion flow between half-cells.

Electrolysis

A process using electrical current to drive otherwise non-spontaneous redox reactions.