Chemical Reactions and Aqueous Solutions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to chemical reactions and aqueous solutions as presented in the comprehensive study of the subject, ideal for exam preparation.

What is the general principle of balancing chemical equations?

The law of conservation of mass states that all atoms present at the beginning must be present at the end, thus, the number of atoms of each element must be equal on both sides of the equation.

Define synthesis reactions.

Synthesis reactions start with simple reactants that combine to form a single more complex product.

What distinguishes decomposition reactions from synthesis reactions?

Decomposition reactions occur when a single reactant breaks down into less complex products.

What are single-replacement reactions?

Single-replacement reactions occur when an element reacts with a compound and displaces one of the elements in that compound, producing a new compound and a new element.

What are the products of an acid-base reaction?

An acid-base reaction produces a salt and water.

How is a double-replacement reaction characterized?

A double-replacement reaction involves the exchange of ions between two compounds to form two new compounds.

What is a precipitation reaction?

A precipitation reaction occurs when two soluble ionic compounds react to form an insoluble ionic compound, known as a precipitate.

What indicates the physical states of substances in a chemical equation?

Physical states are indicated by notations such as (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gas, and (aq) for aqueous solution.

What is the purpose of coefficients in a balanced chemical equation?

Coefficients indicate the amounts of each substance involved in the reaction and ensure mass is conserved.

How do you identify a redox reaction?

Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons, where one reactant is oxidized (loses electrons) and another is reduced (gains electrons).

What does oxidation state refer to?

An oxidation state, or oxidation number, is a measure of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound.

What is an electrolyte?

An electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in water, produces ions that conduct electricity.

List the common strong acids.

Common strong acids include HCl, HBr, HI, HNO3, H2SO4, and HClO4.

What defines a strong base?

A strong base is an ionic compound that contains hydroxide ions and dissociates completely in water.

What are the characteristic features of combustion reactions?

Combustion reactions are characterized by the rapid combination of a substance with oxygen, typically producing carbon dioxide and water.

What is the formula for predicting products in a synthesis reaction?

In a synthesis reaction, the general formula is A + B → AB.

Describe the significance of solubility guidelines in chemical reactions.

Solubility guidelines are used to predict whether a compound will dissolve in aqueous solution, which helps in determining whether precipitation will occur.