Chemical Reaction and Equation

CHEMICAL REACTION
A chemical reaction is a process where one or more substances transform to produce one or
more different substances.

For example, H2 + O H2O, here hydrogen molecule reacts with one oxygen atom to form
water.

REACTANTS AND PRODUCTS:

Reactants are the starting substances that participate in the chemical reaction.

Products are the substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

For example : Magnesium + Oxygen  Magnesium oxide

(Reactant) (Product)
CHEMICAL EQUATION
Representation of Reactions: Chemical equations are symbolic representations of chemical
reactions, showing the reactants and products involved.

For example Mg2+OMgO

Zn + H2SO4  ZnSO4 + H2

Format: They typically consist of reactants on the left-hand side (LHS) and products on the
right-hand side (RHS), separated by an arrow indicating the direction of the reaction (→).

Balancing: Balancing a chemical reaction involves adjusting the coefficients of reactants

and products so that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the
equation. Here's a step-by-step process with an example:

Let's consider the combustion of methane (CH 4) in oxygen (O2) to form carbon dioxide (CO 2)
and water (H2O):

Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation:

CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O

Step 2: Make a tally of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation:

Element Left Side (Reactants) Right Side (Products)

C 1 1
H 4 2
O 2 3

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

Step 3: Start balancing with the most complex molecule. In this case, let's start with CO 2

CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O

Step 4: Balance the carbon atoms by placing a coefficient in front of CO 2. Since there's only
one carbon on each side, the coefficient will be 1

CH4 + O2  1CO2 + H2O

Step 5: Balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 4 hydrogen atoms on the left and only 2 on
the right. To balance this, place a coefficient of 2 in front of H2O:

CH4 + O2  CO2 + 2H2O

Step 6: Check if the oxygen atoms are balanced. There are 2 oxygen atoms on the left side
and 4 on the right. To balance this, adjust the coefficient of O 2. Since we need 4 oxygen
atoms on the left, place a coefficient of 2 in front of O2:

CH4 + 2O2  CO2 + 2H2O

Step 7: Finally, check if all the atoms are balanced:

Element Left Side (Reactants) Right Side (Products)

C 1 1
H 4 4
O 4 4
Now, all the atoms are balanced. So, the balanced equation for the combustion of methane is:

CH4 + 2O2  CO2 + 2H2O

That's the complete balanced chemical equation for the reaction.

Conservation of Mass: Balancing ensures that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed,
which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions.

Coefficients: Numbers are placed before chemical formulas to balance the equation. They
represent the relative amounts of reactants and products involved in the reaction.

Subscripts: Small numbers are written after elements to indicate the number of atoms of
each element in a molecule.

Types of Equations: Chemical equations can be written in different forms, such as molecular
equations, complete ionic equations, and net ionic equations, depending on the level of detail
required.

Predictive Tool: Chemical equations are fundamental tools in chemistry for understanding,
predicting, and describing chemical reactions.

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

Reactants and Products: Reactants are substances that undergo a chemical change, while
products are the new substances formed during the reaction.

Purpose: Chemical equations provide a concise and standardized way to communicate

information about chemical reactions in a universal language understood by scientists
worldwide.

TYPES OF CHEMICAL RXN

Types of Chemical Rxn Definition Example
1. Combination Rxn A combination reaction, also Formation of water:
known as a synthesis 2H₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2H₂O(l)
reaction, is a type of
chemical reaction in which Formation of ammonia:
two or more reactants N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) → 2NH₃(g)
combine to form a single
product. Formation of rust (iron
oxide):
A+B  AB 4Fe(s) + 3O₂(g) →
2Fe₂O₃(s)

Formation of sodium
chloride:
Na(s) + Cl₂(g) → 2NaCl(s)
2. Decomposition rxn A decomposition reaction is Decomposition of water:
the opposite of a 2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g)
combination reaction. In a
decomposition reaction, a Decomposition of hydrogen
single compound breaks peroxide:
down into two or more 2H₂O₂(l) → 2H₂O(l) +
simpler substances. O₂(g)
AB  A+B
Decomposition of calcium
carbonate (limestone):
CaCO₃(s) → CaO(s) +
CO₂(g)

3. Displacement rxn A displacement reaction,
also known as a replacement
reaction, occurs when one
element displaces another
element from a compound.
This typically happens when
a more reactive element
displaces a less reactive one
from its compound.
Decomposition of hydrogen
chloride:
2HCl(g) → H₂(g) + Cl₂(g)
Reaction of iron with copper
sulfate:
Fe(s) + CuSO₄(aq) →
FeSO₄(aq) + Cu(s)
Reaction of zinc with
hydrochloric acid:
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) →
ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

A+BCAC+B Reaction of magnesium with

Or A+BCAB+C hydrochloric acid:
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) →
MgCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)

Reaction of aluminum with

hydrochloric acid:
2Al(s) + 6HCl(aq) →
2AlCl₃(aq) + 3H₂(g)
4. Oxidation and Oxidation: CuO+H2  Cu +H2O
Reduction rxn Oxidation refers to the loss Here, copper oxide gains
of electrons by a substance, electrons and undergoes
leading to an increase in its reduction rxn result in Cu
oxidation state.
It can also involve the Cu2+ + 2e-  Cu
addition of oxygen or the
removal of hydrogen from a Hydrogen gas (H2 is
compound. oxidized: Hydrogen gas
loses electrons and
Reduction: undergoes oxidation,
resulting in the formation of
Reduction refers to the gain water (H2O)
of electrons by a substance, H2 2H+ + 2e-
leading to a decrease in its
oxidation state.
It can also involve the
addition of hydrogen or the
removal of oxygen from a
compound.
CORROSION

Corrosion is the gradual deterioration of materials, usually metals, due to chemical reactions
with the environment. One common example of corrosion is the rusting of iron or steel.
When iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture, a chemical reaction occurs, forming
iron oxide (rust) on the surface of the metal. This process weakens the metal over time,
leading to structural damage and eventual failure if not addressed. Corrosion can significantly
reduce the lifespan and integrity of metal structures, equipment, and components

The chemical reaction involved in the corrosion of iron or steel, commonly known as rusting,
can be represented by the following equation:

4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) + 6H2O(l)  4Fe(OH)3(s)

In this reaction:

- Iron (Fe) reacts with oxygen (O2) from the air and water (H2O) to form iron(III) hydroxide
(Fe(OH)3), which is the reddish-brown substance known as rust.

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

- The presence of water (moisture) is crucial for this reaction to occur, as it facilitates the
ionization of iron and the transport of ions.

- The formation of rust leads to the gradual deterioration of the iron or steel surface,
compromising its structural integrity over time.

RANCIDITY

Rancidity is a term used to describe the development of unpleasant odors and flavors in fats
and oils when they undergo oxidation. This process is often accelerated by exposure to
oxygen, light, and heat. Here's an example of rancidity in a commonly encountered fat, such
as cooking oil, along with the chemical reactions involved:

Example: Vegetable Oil Rancidity

Initiation: The process begins when unsaturated fatty acids present in the vegetable oil are
exposed to oxygen (O2) in the air. This exposure can be facilitated by factors like light and
heat. The high-energy electrons in the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids make them
susceptible to attack by oxygen molecules.

Chemical Reaction:

CH2=CH-CH2-COOH + O2  Initiation of Free Radicals

Propagation: Once initiated, the reaction proceeds through a chain reaction involving the
formation of free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive species with unpaired electrons.
They react with nearby unsaturated fatty acids, causing a chain reaction.

Chemical Reaction:

CH2=CH-CH2-COOH + O2  CH2-CH-CH2-COOH + HO2

CH2CH-CH2-COOH + O2  CH2-CH(OOH)-CH2-COOH

The chain reaction continues as new free radicals are generated, leading to the formation of
hydroperoxides.

Termination: Eventually, the chain reaction is terminated when two free radicals react with
each other, or with an antioxidant present in the oil.

Chemical Reaction*:

2CH2-CH-CH2-COOH  CH2-CH=CH-CH2-COOH + CH3-CH=CH-CH2-COOH

4. Secondary Reactions: The hydroperoxides formed in the propagation step can further
decompose into various volatile compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols, which
contribute to the off-Flavors and Odors associated with rancidity.

Example Chemical Reaction:

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

CH2-CH(OOH)-CH2-COOH  CH3-CHO + CH3-CH2-COOH

In summary, rancidity involves the oxidative degradation of unsaturated fatty acids in fats
and oils, resulting in the formation of undesirable compounds that give rise to off-flavours
and odours.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

1. Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air?

Answer - Magnesium ribbon should be cleaned before burning in air to remove any oxide
layer that may have formed on its surface. The oxide layer (magnesium oxide, MgO is
formed due to the reaction between magnesium and oxygen in the air over time. This oxide
layer acts as a protective barrier, hindering the reaction between magnesium and oxygen
during burning.

When magnesium is burnt in air, it undergoes a highly exothermic reaction with

oxygen to form magnesium oxide MgO. This reaction produces intense heat and a bright
white light characteristic of burning magnesium. However, if the magnesium ribbon is not
cleaned, the initial reaction may be slow or incomplete due to the presence of the oxide layer.

Cleaning the magnesium ribbon removes the oxide layer, exposing fresh magnesium
metal underneath. This ensures that the reaction between magnesium and oxygen occurs
rapidly and completely when the magnesium is ignited, resulting in a more vigorous and
visually striking reaction. Therefore, cleaning the magnesium ribbon before burning it in air
helps to ensure a more efficient and spectacular demonstration of the reaction between
magnesium and oxygen.

2. Write the balanced equation for the following chemical reactions.

(i) Hydrogen + Chlorine  Hydrogen chloride
(ii) Barium chloride + Aluminium sulphate  Barium sulphate +Aluminium chloride
(iii) Sodium + Water  Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen

Answer- The balanced chemical equations for the given reactions:

(i) Hydrogen + Chlorine → Hydrogen chloride

H2 +Cl2  2HCl

(ii) Barium chloride + Aluminium sulphate → Barium sulphate + Aluminium chloride

3BaCl2 + Al2(SO4)3  3BaSO4 + 2AlCl3

(iii) Sodium + Water → Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen

2Na + 2H2O  2NaOH + H2

3. Write a balanced chemical equation with state symbols for the following reactions.

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

(i) Solutions of barium chloride and sodium sulphate in water react to give insoluble barium
sulphate and the solution of sodium chloride.
(ii) Sodium hydroxide solution (in water) reacts with a hydrochloric acid solution (in water)
to produce sodium chloride solution and water.
Answer Sure, here are the balanced chemical equations with state symbols for the given
reactions:

(i) Solutions of barium chloride and sodium sulphate in water react to give insoluble barium
sulphate and the solution of sodium chloride.

BaCl2(aq) + Na2SO4(aq)  BaSO4(s) + 2NaCl(aq)

(ii) Sodium hydroxide solution (in water) reacts with a hydrochloric acid solution (in water)
to produce sodium chloride solution and water.

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq)  NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

4. A solution of a substance ‘X’ is used for whitewashing.

(i) Name the substance ‘X’ and write its formula.
(ii) Write the reaction of the substance ‘X’ named in (i) above with water.
Answer
i) The chemical reaction when calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is used for whitewashing
involves the following reaction with carbon dioxide from the air:
Ca(OH)2 + CO2  CaCO3 + H2O
This reaction forms calcium carbonate (chalk) and water. The calcium carbonate forms a
white coating, which is why calcium hydroxide is used in whitewashing.
ii) The reaction of calcium hydroxide with water is an exothermic reaction and can be
represented as follows:
Ca(OH)2+ H2O  Ca(OH)2
This reaction produces a solution called limewater, which is commonly used in various
applications, including whitewashing.

5. Why does the colour of copper sulphate solution change when an iron nail is dipped
in it?
Answer
The colour of copper sulphate solution changes when an iron nail is dipped in it due to a
chemical reaction between the iron and the copper ions in the solution. Iron displaces copper
from copper sulphate solution, forming iron sulphate and depositing copper metal on the
surface of the nail. This reaction results in a change in colour from blue (copper sulphate
solution) to greenish due to the formation of iron sulphate.
6. Identify the substances that are oxidised and the substances that are reduced in the
following reactions.
(i) 4Na(s) + O2(g)  2Na2O(s)
(ii) CuO(s) + H2(g) Cu(s) + H2O(l)
Answer
1. In the given reactions:
(i) 4Na(s) + O2(g)  2Na2O(s)

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

Sodium (Na) is oxidized from an oxidation state of 0 to +1. - Oxygen (O2) is reduced
from an oxidation state of 0 to -2.
(ii) CuO(s) + H2(g)  Cu(s) + H2O(l)
Copper oxide (CuO) is reduced to copper (Cu). - Hydrogen (H2) is oxidized to
water (H2O).
7.Which of the statements about the reaction below are incorrect?
2PbO(s) + C(s)  2Pb(s) + CO2(g)
(a) Lead is getting reduced.
(b) Carbon dioxide is getting oxidised.
(c) Carbon is getting oxidised.
(d) Lead oxide is getting reduced.
(i) (a) and (b)
(ii) (a) and (c)
(iii) (a), (b) and (c)
(iv) all
Answer
Let's analyse each statement:
(a) Lead is getting reduced. - This statement is correct. In the reaction, PbO is reduced to Pb.
(b) Carbon dioxide is getting oxidized. - This statement is incorrect. Carbon dioxide is not
involved in the oxidation-reduction reaction. Instead, carbon (C) is oxidized to carbon
dioxide (CO2).
(c) Carbon is getting oxidized. - This statement is correct. Carbon (C) in the form of graphite
or coal is oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO2).
(d) Lead oxide is getting reduced. - This statement is correct. Lead oxide (PbO) is reduced to
lead (Pb).
Therefore, the incorrect statements are (b) and (iii).
Hence, the answer is (i) (a) and (b).
8. Fe2O3 + 2Al Al2O3 + 2Fe
The above reaction is an example of a
(a) combination reaction.
(b) double displacement reaction.
Answer
The given reaction:
Fe2O3 + 2Al  Al2O3 + 2Fe
This reaction involves the exchange of ions between two compounds. It's not a combination
reaction where two or more substances combine to form a single product, nor is it a double
displacement reaction where ions in two compounds exchange places.
Instead, it's a redox reaction, also known as an oxidation-reduction reaction, where both
oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. In this reaction, aluminium (Al) is oxidized,
and iron (Fe) is reduced.

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

So, the correct answer is: (a) combination reaction.

9. What happens when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to iron fillings? Tick the correct
answer.
(a) Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced.
(b) Chlorine gas and iron hydroxide are produced.
(c) No reaction takes place.
(d) Iron salt and water are produced.
Answer - When dilute hydrochloric acid is added to iron fillings, the correct answer is:
(a) Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced.
10 What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should chemical equations be balanced?
Answer- Balanced chemical equation: A balanced chemical equation is an expression of a
chemical reaction using the chemical formulas of the reactants and products. It ensures that
the same number of atoms of each element are present on both sides of the equation, obeying
the law of conservation of mass.
Importance of balancing chemical equations: Chemical equations should be balanced to
accurately represent the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be
created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Balancing ensures that the same number of atoms
of each element is present on both sides of the equation, maintaining mass balance.
11. Translate the following statements into chemical equations and then balance them.
(a) Hydrogen gas combines with nitrogen to form ammonia.
(b) Hydrogen sulphide gas burns in air to give water and sulpur dioxide.
(c) Barium chloride reacts with aluminium sulphate to give aluminium chloride
and a precipitate of barium sulphate.
(d) Potassium metal reacts with water to give potassium hydroxide and hydrogen
gas.
Answer – a) 3H2+N22NH3
b) 2H2S+3O22H2O+2SO2
c) 3BaCl2+Al2(SO4)32AlCl3+3BaSO4
d)2K+ 2H2O2KOH+H2
12. Write the balanced chemical equation for the following and identify the type of
reaction in each case.
(a) Potassium bromide(aq) + Barium iodide(aq)  Potassium iodide(aq) +Barium
bromide(s)
Answer The given chemical equation is:

Potassium bromide (aq) + Barium iodide (aq)  Potassium iodide (aq) + Barium bromide (s)

Let's balance the equation:

KBr (aq) + BaI2 (aq)  KI + BaBr2(s)

Balancing the equation:

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

2KBr (aq) + BaI2 (aq)  2KI (aq) + BaBr2 (S)

So, the balanced chemical equation is:
2KBr (aq) + BaI2 (aq)  2KI (aq) + BaBr2(s)

(b) Zinc carbonate(s)  Zinc oxide(s) + Carbon dioxide(g)

The given chemical equation is:

Zinc carbonate (s) Zinc oxide (s) + Carbon dioxide (g)

Let's balance the equation:

ZnCO3 (s)  ZnO (s) + CO2 (g)

Balancing the equation, we can see that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both
sides. Therefore, the equation is already balanced.

So, the balanced chemical equation is:

ZnCO3 (s)  ZnO (s) + CO2 (g)

(c) Hydrogen(g) + Chlorine(g) Hydrogen chloride(g)

Do it yourself
(d) Magnesium(s) + Hydrochloric acid(aq) Magnesium chloride(aq) + Hydrogen(g)
Do it your self
12. What is the difference between displacement and double displacement reactions? Write
equations for these reactions.
Characteristic Displacement Reaction Double displacement
Type of Reaction A more reactive element Positive and negative ions of
displaces another from a two compounds exchange
compound places.
General Form A+BCAC+B AB+CDAD+CB

Example Zn(S)+2HClZnCl2+H2 NaCl+AgNO3AgCl+NaNO3

State of Reactants Usually involves a solid Typically occurs in aqueous

metal reacting with a solutions.
solution.
State of Reactants Usually involves a solid Typically occurs in aqueous
metal reacting with a solutions.
solution.
Products Typically involves the Involves the formation of two
formation of a new new compounds.
compound and release of a
gas.
Common Examples Metal displacing hydrogen Precipitation reactions, such
from an acid. as formation of insoluble salts.

13. In the refining of silver, the recovery of silver from silver nitrate solution involved
displacement by copper metal. Write down the reaction involved.
Answer

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 Chemical Reaction and Equation

In the refining of silver, the recovery of silver from silver nitrate solution involves
displacement by copper metal. This displacement reaction can be represented by the
following equation:

Cu(s) + 2AgNO3{aq} Cu{(NO)3}2{aq}+ 2Ag(s)

In this reaction, solid copper (Cu(s)) displaces silver ions (Ag+) from silver nitrate (AgNO3)
solution, resulting in the formation of copper(II) nitrate ({Cu(NO)3}2) in solution and silver
metal Ag(s) precipitating out.

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