Introduction to Science

FPISA0

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Week 5:
Introduction

During this week’s lessons, you will learn how to:

• Explain all symbols used when writing a chemical reaction.
• Define the law of mass conservation and reflect on your interpretation
and understanding of it.
• Discuss the four basic classifications of chemical reactions.
Chemical Reactions
• During a chemical reaction, atoms are rearranged to create one or more new
compounds.

• To show what is going on in a chemical reaction, we write it in an equation

form using an arrow = chemical equation

• A chemical equation shows the reacting substances called reactants on the

left side of the equation.

• The arrow then points to the right toward the result of the reaction = newly
formed substances called products.
reactants------------>products

• For eg. Na+ + Cl- ----------> NaCl

Interpretation: Sodium ion reacts with chloride ion to produce sodium
chloride
Chemical Reactions

• After identifying the reactants & products, you then need to identify
the phase of the reactants and products in the chemical reaction

• Phases shown in chemical reactions:

= solids (s), liquids (l), gases (g) and if the substance is in an aqueous
phase (dissolved in water) (aq).

• Symbols used in chemical reactions:

1. Not all reactions go strictly in the forward direction, some go
forward & backward. There are known as reversible reactions, shown
by a double arrow pointing to opposite directions
Chemical Reactions

2. An upward arrow indicates a gas or vapour is being given off

3. A downward arrow indicates an insoluble product forming
4. A triangle (delta symbol) indicates the addition of heat
5. The acronym ‘uv’ indicates the addition of UV light to the reaction
6. An endothermic reaction – a reaction that requires heat for the
reaction to take place is shown by (endo)
7. An exothermic reaction – a reaction that gives off heat as a product
is shown by (exo)

• Numbers are placed in front of reactants or products to show the ratio

in which they either combine or form. These numbers are called
coefficients & they represent the number of atoms or molecules
2H2 (g) + O2 (g) à 2H2O (l)
C (s) + O2 (g) à CO2 (g)
Chemical Reactions
Chemical Reactions
Quiz

Illustrate phases and symbols in a reaction between the following:

1. Magnesium (solid) and Chloride (gas)
2. Evaporation reaction of water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas
3. KOH (aqueous) and CaCl2(aqueous)
4. When Lithium (solid) is added to water the temperature rises
Chemical Reactions
• Law of mass conservation = states that matter is neither created nor
destroyed during a chemical reaction
• The atoms at the beginning of a reaction are merely rearranged. This means that no atoms are
gained or lost during any reaction. Thus, all chemical equations must be balanced.
• In a balanced chemical equation, each atom must appear the same amount of time on both sides of
the arrow.
• The equation for the formation of water below is balanced because each side shows four hydrogen
atoms & two oxygen atoms.
• A coefficient in front of a chemical formula tells us the number of times that element or compound
must be counted. (coefficient one is normally omitted).
Quiz

• Balance and show the Law of mass conservation for the

following reactions:
a) Fe + O2 → Fe3O4

b) Co + O2 → CoO3

c) Mn + H2O → Mn(OH)2 + H2
Chemical Reactions
üThere are three basic types of chemical reactions:
i. Synthesis/addition/combination reactions
ii. Decomposition reactions
iii. Exchange reactions

i. Synthesis reactions
# these are reactions involving the building up of molecules,
known as anabolic reactions
# in these reactions, one or more atoms or molecules combine
to form a larger molecule
# eg. a) proteins grouping together to form muscles
b) small sugars combining to form large molecules
of starch
# Synthesis is important among plants & animals for growth
purposes & the repair of worn out cells & tissues
Chemical Reactions

Whether it is one complex product or multiple products, a great way to remember

what a synthesis reaction is, is to think of the word 'combination.' Essentially, you are
combining reactants to make a desired product.

Before we practice a few examples, there are two concepts to keep in mind regarding
synthesis reactions. First, binary compounds can be produced from a synthesis
reaction. A binary compound is a compound that contains only two different
elements. For example, the combination of two reactants, iron and oxygen, will
produce the binary compound iron oxide, commonly known as rust.

Second, always remember when working with synthesis reactions to balance your
equation (Law of mass conservation).
Synthesis Reactions

The general form of a synthesis reaction is:

A + B → AB
Here are some examples of synthesis reactions:
• Water:
2 H2(g) + O2(g) → 2 H2O(g)
• Carbon dioxide:
2 CO(g) + O2(g) → 2CO2(g)
Quiz

1. What is a synthesis reaction?

2. Describe the synthesis reaction that produces table salt.

3. Which of the following is a synthesis reaction?

a) 2H2O → 2H2 + O2
b) 2NO + O2 → 2NO2
c) 2K + 2H2O → 2KOH + H2
d) CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
Quiz

1. What is a synthesis reaction?

2. Describe the synthesis reaction that produces table salt.

3. Which of the following is a synthesis reaction?

a) 2H2O → 2H2 + O2
b) 2NO + O2 → 2NO2
c) 2K + 2H2O → 2KOH + H2
d) CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
Oxidation Reduction (Redox) Reactions

When the oxidation number of the atoms involved in a reaction is changed,

the redox reaction occurs.

The process by which an atom’s oxidation number is increased is called the

oxidation process.

The process by which an atom's oxidation number is decreasing is called a

reduction reaction.
Oxidation Reduction (Redox) Reactions

A reaction between hydrogen gas and fluorine gas is the

example of a redox reaction.

H2 (g) + F2 (g) → 2HF(g)

In the above-mentioned reaction, the hydrogen is oxidized from

0 to +1 oxidation state and so this is the reducing agent. As it is
reduced from 0 to -1, fluorine is the oxidizing agent.
Quiz

Balance the following reaction and determine the oxidizing

and reducing agent. Show the charges of each ion.

1. Al(s) + CuCl2 → AlCl3 + Cu

2. Zn + FeSO4 → ZnSO4 + Fe
Combustion Reactions

Combustion refers to a high-energy chemical reaction in which fuel is

oxidized and converted into a mixture of often gaseous products.
Combustion is an exothermic reaction, in that it involves the release of
energy in the form of light and heat.
The most common oxidizing agent in combustion reactions is atmospheric
oxygen (O), but other oxidizing agents include: chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F),
and nitrous oxide (N₂O)
Combustion reaction occur in many places in nature and were among the
first chemical reactions that humans harnessed control over (fire).
Combustion Reactions

Combustion reactions require three main ingredients: reactants (fuel), an

oxidizing agent, and heat. By far, the most common kinds of fuel for
combustion reactions are hydrocarbon compounds, like methane (CH₄),
propane (C₃H₈) or octane (C₈H₁₈).

For example, methane is a common combustible fuel. The general form of

the chemical equation for the combustion of methane in oxygen is:

CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂0

Quiz

Balance the following combustion reactions:

1. C₃H₈ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O (ΔH = -2043.455 kJ/mol)

2. C2H6 + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O (ΔH = -3120 kJ/mol)

Chemical Reactions
ii. Decomposition reactions
# these reactions are the reverse or opposite of synthesis reactions.
Decomposition, otherwise known as catabolic reaction involves the
breakdown of larger molecules to smaller ones
# in other words, the previously built chemical bonds among molecules
are broken down
# eg. a) starch bring broken down into smaller sugars
b) salt being broken down into ions
# without this process of decomposition, animals would not be able to
digest food required to supply energy for life
Chemical Reactions

The general form of a decomposition reaction is:

AB → A + B

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and

hydrogen gas is a typical example of a decomposition
reaction.
H₂O₂ → H₂ + O₂
Chemical Reactions

Classification of Decomposition Reaction

Thermal composition reaction or thermolysis is the decomposition by

means of heat. Electrolytic decomposition reaction or electrolysis is
the decomposition by means of electricity. Photodecomposition
reaction or photolysis is the decomposition by means of light.
Chemical Reactions

1. Thermal Decomposition Reaction

A chemical reaction where a single substance breaks into two

or more simple substances when heated is called a thermal
decomposition reaction. Since the heat is required to break the
bonds present in the substance, this reaction is usually
endothermic.
Chemical Reactions

Calcium Carbonate Decomposition Reaction

Limestone or calcium decomposes into quick lime or

calcium oxide and carbon dioxide when heated. The major
constituent for cement is quick lime.
Chemical Reactions

2. Electrolytic Decomposition Reaction:

When an electric current is passed through an aqueous solution of a

compound, it may result in an electrolytic decomposition reaction. Electrolysis
of water is a good example of an electrolytic decomposition reaction.
Chemical Reactions

Electrolysis of Water: The decomposition of water into

oxygen and hydrogen due to the passage of electric
current through it is called as the electrolysis of water.
Chemical Reactions

3. Photo Decomposition Reaction or Photolysis

Silver Chloride Decomposition Reaction

When a small amount of silver chloride (AgCl) is taken in a

watch glass which is kept in sunlight for sometimes, then
slowly the crystals acquire a grey color. The decomposition
of silver chloride into silver and chlorine is caused by the
sunlight as per the analysis.
Quiz
Determine the products of the following reactants when
decomposed.
1. H2CO3 →

2. FeSO4.7H2O →

Balance the following decomposition reactions:

3. KClO3 (s) → KCl (s) + O2 (g)

4. AgBr → Ag(s) +Br2(g)

5. PbNO3→ Pb2O + NO2 + O2

Chemical Reactions

iii. Exchange reactions

# this kind of reaction involves exchanging or swapping pieces
# here, two or more molecules split & then re-group or re-combine in another
way
# for eg. AB & CD split and then re-group to form AC & BD
# exchange reactions allow an animal’s body to receive & store chemicals in
one form & then reuse them for many purposes
# without these reactions, life would stop because life depends on a number
of these processes to continue
Exchange Reactions

An exchange reaction occurs between compounds that, when written as

a molecular
equation, appear to involve the exchange of parts between the two
reactants. An exchange reaction will occur when ions in solution form
insoluble products, weak electrolytes, or nonelectrolytes.

There is single-displacement reaction and double-displacement reaction

Exchange Reactions

Single-Displacement Reaction Definition

A single-displacement reaction is a chemical reaction where one reactant is

exchanged for one ion of a second reactant. It is also known as a single-
replacement reaction. Single displacement reactions take the form:

A + BC → B + AC
Exchange Reactions

Single-Displacement Reaction Examples

The reaction between zinc metal and hydrochloric acid to produce zinc
chloride and hydrogen gas is an example of a single-displacement
reaction:

Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)

Another example is the displacement of iron from an iron(II) oxide solution

using coke as a carbon source:

2Fe2O3(s) + 3C (s) → Fe(s) + CO3 (g)

Exchange Reactions

Double-Displacement Reaction Definition

A double displacement reaction is a type of reaction in which two reactants

exchange ions to form two new compounds. Double displacement reactions
typically result in the formation of a product that is a precipitate.

Double displacement reactions take the form:

AB + CD → AD + CB
Exchange Reactions

Double-Displacement Reaction Definition

A double displacement reaction is a type of reaction in which two reactants

exchange ions to form two new compounds. Double displacement reactions
typically result in the formation of a product that is a precipitate.

Double displacement reactions take the form:

AB + CD → AD + CB
Exchange Reactions

Exchange reactions can be categorized as:

1. Precipitations: one of the products is insoluble (e.g., AgCl(s)).
NaCl(aq) + AgNO3(aq) → NaNO3(aq) + AgCl(s)

2. Neutralizations: most often one of the products is water, H2O(l).

HCl(aq) + KOH(aq) → KCl(aq) + H2O(l)

3. Gas-forming: one of the products is a gas (e.g., SO2(g)).

Na2SO3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + SO2 (g)
Exchange Reactions

Precipitation reaction

A precipitate is an insoluble solid compound formed during a chemical

reaction in
solution (e.g., CaCO3(s), AgCl(s), BaSO4(s)). Precipitation reactions are a type
of
chemical reaction between ions that produce a precipitate.
Exchange Reactions

Reactions can be viewed as rearrangement of atoms. Therefore, swap cation

and anions to determine what the possible products might be. If one of the
products is insoluble it can be predicted to occur. If both predicted products
are soluble then
no reaction occurs.

Determine the products for the following rxns:

1) BaCl2(aq) + ZnSO2(aq) →
2) Na2S(aq) + ZnCl2(aq) →
3) K3PO4(aq) + NaNO3(aq) →
Exchange Reactions

Acid-Base Reactions: Neutralizations

A neutralization reaction is the reaction of an acid and a base to produce a

salt and water.
In a neutralization reaction, the identifying characteristics of the acid and
base cancel
out, or in other words, are neutralized by each other.

Example: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

Exchange Reactions

General form of neutralization reaction:

ACID + BASE → SALT + WATER

Determine the products for the following rxns:

1. HClO4 (aq) + LiOH(aq) →
2. H2SO4(aq) + NaOH(aq) →
3. HI(aq) + KOH(aq) →
4. HNO3(aq) + Ba(OH)2(aq) →
Exchange Reactions

Gas-forming Exchange Reactions

Certain compounds such as carbonates (e.g., K2CO3), sulfites

(e.g., K2SO3), and
sulfides (e.g., K2S), when mixed with acids, produce gases.

ACID + MCO3 → SALT + H2O + GAS

Exchange Reactions

Ammonium salts (e.g., (NH 4)2SO 4) react with strong bases to produce
ammonia gas.
NH4Cl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + NH3(g)

Sulfides react with acids to produce hydrogen sulfide gas.

Na2S(aq) + 2HCl(aq) ----- > 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + H2S(g)
Quiz

Determine the products for the following rxns:

1. Na2SO3(aq) + HCl(aq) →

2. Na2CO3(aq) + HCl(aq) →
Chemical Reactions
Types of Chemical Explanation General Reaction
Reactions
Combination reaction Two or more compounds combine to form one A + B → AB
compound
Decomposition The opposite of a combination reaction – a complex AB → A + B
reaction molecule breaks down to make simpler ones.
Precipitation reaction Two solutions of soluble salts are mixed resulting in A + Soluble salt B → Precipitate +
an insoluble solid (precipitate) forming. soluble salt C

Neutralization An acid and a base react with each other. Generally, Acid + Base → Salt + Water
reaction the product of this reaction is salt and water.
Combustion reaction Oxygen combines with a compound to form carbon A + O2 → H2O + CO2
dioxide and water. These reactions are exothermic,
meaning they give off heat.
Displacement reaction One element takes place with another element in the A + BC → AC + B
compound