Chemical Reactions and Equations

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and chemical concepts from the lecture on Chemical Reactions and Equations.

Chemical Reaction

A process that occurs whenever a chemical change takes place, indicated by changes in state, colour, temperature, or the evolution of a gas.

Reactants

The substances that undergo chemical change in a reaction, written on the left-hand side (LHS) of a chemical equation.

Product

The new substance formed during a chemical reaction, written on the right-hand side (RHS) of a chemical equation.

Skeletal Chemical Equation

An unbalanced chemical equation where the number of atoms of each element is not equal on both sides of the arrow.

Balanced Chemical Equation

An equation where the total mass of the elements in the products is equal to the total mass of the elements in the reactants, ensuring the number of atoms of each element remains the same.

Hit-and-trial Method

The method of balancing chemical equations by using the smallest whole number coefficient to ensure the number of atoms of elements on both sides are equal.

Aqueous (aq)

A notation indicating that a reactant or product is present as a solution in water.

Combination Reaction

A reaction in which a single product is formed from two or more reactants.

Exothermic Chemical Reaction

A reaction in which heat is released along with the formation of products.

Quick Lime

The common name for calcium oxide, represented by the chemical formula $CaO(s)$. house

Slaked Lime

The common name for calcium hydroxide, represented by the formula $Ca(OH)_2(aq)$, produced by reacting calcium oxide with water.

Decomposition Reaction

A reaction where a single reactant breaks down to give simpler products.

Thermal Decomposition

A decomposition reaction that is carried out by the application of heat.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction in which energy is absorbed from the surroundings in the form of heat, light, or electricity.

Displacement Reaction

A chemical reaction where a more reactive element displaces or removes another less reactive element from its compound.

Precipitate

An insoluble substance that is formed and settles out of a liquid during a chemical reaction.

Double Displacement Reaction

A reaction in which there is an exchange of ions between the reactants to form new compounds.

Oxidation

A process during a chemical reaction where a substance gains oxygen or loses hydrogen.

Reduction

A process during a chemical reaction where a substance loses oxygen or gains hydrogen.

Redox Reaction

Also known as oxidation-reduction reactions, these occur when one reactant gets oxidised while the other gets reduced during the reaction.

Corrosion

The process where metals are slowly eaten away by the action of air, moisture, or chemicals on their surface, such as the rusting of iron or the green coating on copper.

Rancidity

The oxidation of fats and oils in food materials that are left for a long time, resulting in a change in their smell and taste.