The following reaction is exothermic:
(a) Write a balanced equation for the reaction (red spheres represent A atoms and ivory spheres represent B atoms)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products based on the description of the spheres.
2. Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the reaction to ensure they are equal.
3. Write the chemical formula for the reactants and products using the identified atoms.
4. Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides.
5. Verify that the equation is balanced and represents the exothermic reaction correctly.

Key Concepts

Exothermic Reactions

Exothermic reactions are chemical processes that release energy, usually in the form of heat, to the surroundings. This occurs when the total energy of the products is lower than that of the reactants, resulting in a net release of energy. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting temperature changes and the feasibility of reactions.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. A balanced equation accurately represents the stoichiometry of the reaction.

Molecular Representation

Molecular representation uses symbols and models to depict the structure and composition of molecules. In the context of the question, red and ivory spheres represent different atoms, allowing for a visual understanding of the reactants and products involved in the reaction. This representation aids in grasping the molecular interactions during the reaction.