Chemical Equations

A chemical equation is an expression of a chemical process. For example:

AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)
In this equation, AgNO 3 is mixed with NaCl. The equation shows that the reactants
(AgNO3 and NaCl) react through some process (
) to form the products (AgCl and
NaNO3). Since they undergo a chemical process, they are changed fundamentally.
- the (s) sign means that the compound is a solid
- the (l) sign means the substance is a liquid
- the (aq) sign means aqueous; the compounds is dissolved in water
- the (g) sign means that the compound is a gas.
Types of Chemical reactions
1. Combustion: A combustion reaction is a rapid process that involves a reaction with
oxygen, to form water and carbon dioxide. Combustion reactions produce large
amounts of heat and light, therefore the reaction is exothermic.
Example: C10H8 + 12O2 10CO2 + 4H2O
2. Synthesis/Combination: A synthesis reaction is when two or more simple compounds
combine to form a more complicated one. These reactions come in the general form
of :
A + B AB
Example: 8Fe + S8 8FeS
3. Decomposition: A decomposition reaction is the opposite of a synthesis reaction - a
complex molecule breaks down to make simpler ones. These reactions come in the
general form:
AB A + B
Example: 2H2O 2H2 + O2
4. Single displacement: In general, a free element replaces another element that is found
in a compound; therefore, forming a new element and a new compound. These
reactions come in the general form of:
A + BC AC + B
Example: Mg + 2H2O Mg(OH)2 + H2

5. Double displacement/Metathesis: This is when the anions and cations of two different
molecules switch places, forming two entirely different compounds. These reactions
are in the general form:
AB + CD AD + CB
Example: Pb(NO3)2 + 2KI PbI2 + 2KNO3
Balancing Simple Chemical Equation
- A chemical equation is balanced when the number of atoms of each type on
each side of the equation is the same.
- We can balance the equation by multiplying the different atoms and molecules
on each side by different amounts.
Practice Exercise 3.10: Balance the following equations and list what type the
following reactions are:
1.

CH4 + O2 CO2 + H2O

2.

Fe + NaBr FeBr3 + Na

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3.

CaSO4 + Mg(OH)2 Ca(OH)2 + MgSO4

4.

Pb + O2 PbO2

5.

Na2CO3 Na2O + CO2

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