Write balanced ionic equations for the following reactions. (a) Aqueous perchloric acid is neutralized by aqueous calcium hydroxide.

Key Concepts

Acid-Base Neutralization

Acid-base neutralization is a chemical reaction where an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt. In this process, the hydrogen ions (H+) from the acid combine with hydroxide ions (OH-) from the base to form water (H2O). Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting the products of the reaction and writing balanced equations.

Ionic Equations

Ionic equations represent the species involved in a chemical reaction in their ionic forms. In aqueous solutions, strong electrolytes dissociate into their constituent ions. Writing balanced ionic equations involves identifying the ions present in the reactants and products, allowing for a clearer understanding of the reaction mechanism and the conservation of mass.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. This process involves adjusting coefficients in front of compounds to achieve balance. Mastery of this concept is essential for accurately representing chemical reactions, including those involving ionic species.