Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between aqueous sodium carbonate and aqueous copper(II) chloride to form solid copper(II) carbonate and aqueous sodium chloride.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the reaction: Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and copper(II) chloride (CuCl2) are the reactants, while copper(II) carbonate (CuCO3) and sodium chloride (NaCl) are the products.
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation using the chemical formulas of the reactants and products: Na2CO3 (aq) + CuCl2 (aq) → CuCO3 (s) + NaCl (aq).
3. Balance the equation by ensuring the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation. Start by balancing the metals: Sodium (Na) and Copper (Cu).
4. Next, balance the non-metal atoms: Carbon (C) and Chlorine (Cl).
5. Finally, check that the number of oxygen atoms is balanced. Adjust coefficients as necessary to ensure all elements are balanced.

Key Concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Each side of the equation must have equal numbers of each type of atom, which often requires adjusting coefficients in front of the chemical formulas.

Double Displacement Reaction

A double displacement reaction, also known as a metathesis reaction, occurs when two compounds exchange ions to form two new compounds. In this type of reaction, the cations and anions switch partners, typically resulting in the formation of a precipitate, gas, or water. The reaction between sodium carbonate and copper(II) chloride exemplifies this, as the sodium ions and copper ions exchange partners.

Precipitation Reactions

Precipitation reactions occur when two soluble salts react in solution to form an insoluble solid, known as a precipitate. This process is driven by the formation of a compound that is not soluble in the solvent, leading to its separation from the solution. In the given reaction, copper(II) carbonate precipitates out of the solution, indicating a successful double displacement reaction.