Chapter 7: Reactions in Aqueous Solutions

Key vocabulary and concepts regarding chemical reactions in aqueous solutions, including terminology for types of equations and classification of reactions.

Precipitation reaction

A reaction in which a solid forms when two solutions are mixed.

Precipitate

The solid that forms during a precipitation reaction.

Soluble solid

A solid that dissolves in water.

Insoluble (Slightly soluble) solid

A solid where only a negligible amount dissolves in water.

Molecular Equation

A chemical equation showing the complete formulas of all reactants and products, though it does not show what actually occurs in the solution.

Complete Ionic Equation

A chemical equation where all strong electrolytes are shown as separate ions.

Spectator ions

Ions present in solution both before and after a reaction that do not participate directly in the chemical change.

Net Ionic Equation

A chemical equation showing only those components of the solution that undergo a change, excluding spectator ions.

Strong acid

An acid in which virtually every molecule dissociates (ionizes) in water to produce an $H^+$ ion and an anion.

Strong base

A metal hydroxide that is completely soluble in water, providing separate $OH^-$ ions and cations.

Salt

An ionic compound produced from the reaction of a strong acid and a strong base, alongside water.

Acid–base reaction

A reaction involving an $H^+$ ion that ends up in the product water; it is the reaction between $H^+$ and $OH^-$.

Oxidation–reduction reaction

A reaction that involves a transfer of electrons, such as the reaction between metals and nonmetals.

Double–displacement reaction

A reaction following the general pattern $AB + CD \rightarrow AD + CB$, commonly seen in precipitation reactions.

Single–replacement reaction

A reaction following the general pattern $A + BC \rightarrow B + AC$, which is a type of oxidation–reduction reaction.

Decomposition reaction

A special class of oxidation–reduction reactions where a compound is broken down into simpler substances.

Synthesis reactions

A type of oxidation–reduction reaction in which the reactants are elements and form a compound.

Combustion reactions

A classification of reactions involving oxygen, often grouped under oxidation–reduction reactions.

Driving forces

Factors that favor a chemical change, specifically the formation of a solid, formation of water, transfer of electrons, or formation of a gas.