Chemical Equations and Reactions

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, symbols, reaction types, and chemical equations from lecture notes on chemical equations and reactions.

Chemical reaction

A process where reactants change into new substances called products.

Reactants

The starting substances in a chemical reaction.

Products

The new substances formed in a chemical reaction.

Coefficient (in a chemical equation)

Shows how many particles or molecules of a substance are involved.

$$(s)$$

Solid.

$$(l)$$

Liquid.

$$(g)$$

Gas.

$$(aq)$$

Aqueous: dissolved in water.

Balancing a chemical equation

Making sure there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides.

Law of conservation of mass

The total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

Synthesis reaction

Two or more reactants combine to form one product.

Decomposition reaction

One reactant breaks down into two or more products.

Neutralisation reaction

An acid reacts with a base to produce salt and water.

Metal displacement reaction

A more reactive metal replaces a less reactive metal in a compound.

Precipitation reaction

Two aqueous solutions react to form an insoluble solid called a precipitate.

Combustion

A substance reacts with oxygen, releasing energy.

Products of butane combustion

Carbon dioxide and water.

Reaction of nitrogen with hydrogen

A chemical reaction with the balanced equation $N_2 + 3H_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3$.

Calcium carbonate decomposition

A chemical decomposition with the balanced equation $CaCO_3 \rightarrow CaO + CO_2$.

Reaction of hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide

A neutralisation reaction with the balanced equation $HCl + NaOH \rightarrow NaCl + H_2O$.

Reaction of magnesium with oxygen

A chemical reaction with the balanced equation $2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO$.

Nitric acid

A chemical compound with the formula $HNO_3$.

Potassium permanganate

A chemical compound with the formula $KMnO_4$.

Reaction of silver nitrate with potassium chloride

Silver chloride and potassium nitrate form; balanced equation: $AgNO_3 + KCl \rightarrow AgCl + KNO_3$.

Reaction of zinc with copper sulfate

Zinc sulfate and copper form; balanced equation: $Zn + CuSO_4 \rightarrow ZnSO_4 + Cu$.