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Ch.4 - Chemical Reactions and Chemical Quantities
Chapter 4, Problem 19a

Write the balanced chemical equation for each reaction. a. Solid lead(II) sulfide reacts with aqueous hydrobromic acid to form solid lead(II) bromide and dihydrogen monosulfide gas.

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Identify the reactants and products in the chemical reaction: Lead(II) sulfide (PbS), hydrobromic acid (HBr), lead(II) bromide (PbBr2), and dihydrogen monosulfide (H2S).
Write the unbalanced chemical equation using the chemical formulas: PbS (s) + HBr (aq) -> PbBr2 (s) + H2S (g).
Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.
Start by balancing the lead (Pb) atoms: 1 Pb on both sides, so no change needed.
Balance the bromine (Br) and hydrogen (H) atoms by adjusting the coefficient of HBr to ensure the same number of Br and H atoms on both sides.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

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.
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Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement reactions. The reaction described in the question is a double replacement reaction, where the cations and anions of two different compounds exchange places to form two new compounds. Understanding the type of reaction helps predict the products formed and the overall process.
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State Symbols in Chemical Equations

State symbols indicate the physical state of the reactants and products in a chemical equation. Common symbols include (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 help in understanding the nature of the substances involved, which is crucial for accurately writing balanced equations.
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