Complete and balance the equation for each of the following reactions:
b. Ca(s) + H₂SO₄(aq) →
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Identify the reactants and products in the reaction. Here, calcium (Ca) reacts with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to form calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) and hydrogen gas (H₂).
Write the unbalanced chemical equation: Ca(s) + H₂SO₄(aq) → CaSO₄(aq) + H₂(g).
Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation to ensure they are equal. Initially, you have 1 Ca, 2 H, 1 S, and 4 O on the reactant side, and 1 Ca, 2 H, 1 S, and 4 O on the product side.
Since the number of each type of atom is already equal on both sides, the equation is balanced as written.
Verify the physical states of the products: Calcium sulfate is typically a solid (CaSO₄(s)) in this type of reaction, so adjust the equation to reflect this: Ca(s) + H₂SO₄(aq) → CaSO₄(s) + H₂(g).
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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 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.
Balancing Chemical Equations (Simplified) Concept 1
Types of Chemical Reactions
Understanding the types of chemical reactions is crucial for predicting products. The reaction between calcium (Ca) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a single displacement reaction, where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive element from a compound. Recognizing the type of reaction helps in determining the expected products and balancing the equation.
In a chemical reaction, reactants are the starting substances that undergo change, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction. In the given equation, calcium reacts with sulfuric acid, leading to the formation of calcium sulfate and hydrogen gas. Identifying the correct reactants and products is essential for accurately completing and balancing the equation.