Balance the following equations. (a) CO(NH₂)₂(aq) + HOCl(aq) --> NCl₃(aq) + CO₂(aq) + H₂O(l)

Key Concepts

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. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas to achieve equal atom counts.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Understanding the types of chemical reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement, is crucial for predicting products and balancing equations. In the given reaction, the interaction between urea (CO(NH2)2) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) suggests a redox process, where oxidation states change, leading to the formation of nitrogen trichloride (NCl3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O).

State Symbols in Chemical Reactions

State symbols indicate the physical state of the reactants and products in a chemical equation: (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gas, and (aq) for aqueous solutions. These symbols provide important information about the conditions of the reaction and can influence the balancing process. In the given equation, recognizing the states helps in understanding the reaction environment and the nature of the products formed.