Balancing Equations

Synthesis

A + B → AB

Decomposition

AB → A + B

Single Replacement

A + BX → AX + B

Double Replacement

AX + BY → AY + BX

Combustion

Hydrocarbon + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

Reactant

The starting substance in a chemical reaction.

Product

The new substance formed from a chemical reaction.

Limiting Reactant

The reactant that is completely consumed in a reaction.

Excess Reactant

The reactant that remains after the reaction.

Exothermic

A reaction that releases heat.

Endothermic

A reaction that absorbs heat.

Precipitate

An insoluble solid formed in a double replacement reaction.

Precipitate Example

AgNO₃ (aq) + NaCl (aq) → AgCl (s) + NaNO₃ (aq)

Spectator Ions

Ions that do not participate in the reaction.

Net Ionic Equation

Shows only the reacting ions, omitting spectator ions.

Net Ionic Equation Example

Ag⁺ (aq) + Cl⁻ (aq) → AgCl (s)

(s)

Solid

(l)

Liquid

(g)

Gas

(aq)

Aqueous (dissolved in water)

→

Produces or yields

•

Reacts with

Δ

Heat applied

Activity Series Rule

A more reactive metal will replace a less reactive metal in a single replacement reaction.

Activity Series Example

Zn (s) + CuSO₄ (aq) → ZnSO₄ (aq) + Cu (s)

Ammonium

NH₄⁺ (+1)

Acetate

C₂H₃O₂⁻ (-1)

Chlorate

ClO₃⁻ (-1)

Hydroxide

OH⁻ (-1)

Nitrate

NO₃⁻ (-1)

Carbonate

CO₃²⁻ (-2)

Sulfate

SO₄²⁻ (-2)

Phosphate

PO₄³⁻ (-3)