Chapter 1 Chemical Reactions and Equations
Chapter 1 Chemical Reactions and Equations
[KEY POINTS]
A chemical reaction involves a chemical change in which substances react to form new
substances with entirely new properties. Substances that react or take part in the reaction
are known as reactants and the substances formed are known as products.
During a chemical reaction, there is a breaking of bonds between atoms of the reacting
molecules to give products.
A chemical reaction can be observed with the help of any of the following observations:
Evolution of a gas
1.Change in temperature
2.Formation of a precipitate
3.Change in colour
4.Change of state
Physical change: If a change involves change in colour or state but no new substance is
formed, then it is a physical change.
Chemical change: If a change involves formation of new substances, it is a chemical
change.
Exothermic and endothermic reactions: If heat is evolved during a reaction, then such
a reaction is known as Exothermic reaction. If heat is absorbed from the surroundings,
then such a reaction is known as endothermic reaction.
As per the law of conservation of mass, the total mass of the elements present in the
products of a chemical reaction is equal to the total mass of the elements present in the
reactants.
The process of equating the number of atoms on both the sides of a chemical equation is
known as balancing of a chemical equation.
The first step in balancing a chemical equation is to write the number of atoms of each
element present on the left hand side and right hand side.
We should always start balancing with the compound that contains maximum number of
atoms. It can be reactant or a product. Then in that compound select the element which
has the maximum number of atoms.
While balancing a chemical equation, the molecular formulas of the reactants and
products should not change. The molecular formulas are simply multiplied by suitable
coefficients.
To make a chemical equation more informative, the reaction conditions such as
temperature, pressure or catalyst are written on the arrow separating the reactants and
products.
The evolution of gas is indicated by an upward arrow.
The formation of precipitate is indicated by a downward arrow.
Heat evolved during the reaction is written as + Heat on the product side.
Heat absorbed during the reaction is written as + Heat on the reactant side.
Combination reaction is a reaction in which 2 or more substances combine to give a
single
product.
Combination reaction can be between two elements, between an element and a
compound or between two compounds.
Decomposition reaction: In a decomposition reaction, a single reactant decomposes to
give two or more products. They require energy in the form of heat, light or electricity
Points to Remember:
Decomposition reactions which require heat are known as thermolytic.
Decomposition reactions which require light are known as photolytic.
Decomposition reactions which require electricity are known as electrolytic.
Displacement reaction: A reaction in which a more active element displaces less active
element from its salt solution.
The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in the order of decreasing reactivity.
The most reactive metal is placed at the top and the least reactive metal is placed at the
bottom.
Double displacement reaction: A chemical reaction in which there is an exchange of
ions between the reactants to give new substances is called double displacement reaction.
Precipitation reaction: An insoluble solid known as precipitate is formed during a
double
displacement reaction. Such reactions are also known as precipitation reactions.
Redox reaction: A reaction in which oxidation and reduction take place simultaneously
in a reaction, is known as a redox reaction.
Oxidation is a chemical process in which a substance gains oxygen or loses hydrogen.
Reduction is a chemical process in which a substance gains hydrogen or loses oxygen.
If a substance gains oxygen or loses hydrogen during a reaction, it is said to be oxidised.
If a substance gains hydrogen or loses oxygen during a reaction, it is said to be reduced.
A substance that loses oxygen or gains hydrogen is known as an oxidising agent.
A substance that loses hydrogen or gains oxygen is known as a reducing agent.
An oxidising agent gets reduced whereas a reducing agent gets oxidised.
In terms of electronic concept, Oxidation is defined as a loss of electrons while
reduction
is defined as a gain of electrons.
Corrosion is the slow eating up of metals by the action of air and moisture on their
surfaces. Corrosion in case of Iron is known as Rusting.
Chemically, rust is hydrated ferric oxide (Fe2O3.xH2O)
Advantages of corrosion: Though corrosion is undesirable, it can be advantageous in
case of aluminium which on exposure to air, gets coated with a protective layer of
aluminium oxide. This protects the metal underneath from further corrosion and damage.
Rancidity: When oils and fats or foods containing oils and fats are exposed to air, they
get oxidized due to which the food becomes stale and gives a bad taste or smell. This is
called Rancidity.
Rancidity can be prevented by: a Adding antioxidants i.e. the substances which prevent
oxidation b Refrigeration c Storing the food in airtight containers.
QUESTION BANK
Very Short answer type questions :
1. What happens when magnesium ribbon burns in air?
Ans. When magnesium ribbon burns in air, it combines with the oxygen to form
magnesium oxide.
2Mg(s) + O2(g) 2MgO(s)
2. Name the gas evolved when zinc reacts with dil. HCl.
Ans. Hydrogen gas is evolved.
3. What is a chemical equation?
Ans. A chemical equation is a symbolic notation that uses formulae instead of words to
represent
a chemical equation.
4. On what chemical law, balancing of chemical equation is based?
Ans. Balancing of a chemical equation is based on the law of conservation of mass.
5. Represent decomposition of ferrous sulphate with the help of balanced chemical
equation.
Ans. Precipitate. When two reactants react and product formed remains insoluble and
settles as a solid it is called a precipitate. Such reactions in which precipitate is formed
are called precipitation reactions.
For example,
i) When aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is mixed with the aqueous solution or
barium chloride, barium sulphate comes in the form of white precipitate
Na2SO4 (aq)+BaCl2(aq) BaSO4()+2NaCl(aq)
ii) When aqueous solution of sodium chloride is mixed with the aqueous solution of
silver nitrate, silver chloride comes in the form of white precipitate.
4. What is limewater test for the detection of carbon dioxide?
Ans. When carbon dioxide gas is passed through lime water, it turns milky due to the
formation of milky suspension (precipitate) of calcium carbonate. Carbon dioxide is
produced by the action of dilute HCl on sodium carbonate.
Na2CO3(s)+2HCl(aq)2NaCl+H2O(l)+CO2
Carbon dioxide gas produced in this reaction is passed through lime water it changes to
milky colour due to the formation of calcium carbonate.
Long answer type questions:
1. What is corrosion? State the conditions necessary for rusting of iron. How rusting is
harmful ?
Ans: Corrosion: The process of eating away of the metal by the action of atmospheric
reagents changing the metal into its compound is called corrosion.
Rusting of Iron : When iron and iron objects are exposed to atmosphere, they are
attacked by air and moisture (water) of the atmosphere and a brown and orange colored
layer is formed on the surface. It is called rust which is mainly hydrated iron (III) oxide
Fe2O3xH2O.
Harmful Effect of Rusting : Hydrated iron (III) oxide is brittle substance and moves away
from the surface thus the object is damaged. The objects get holes, cavities and rough
surface.
Conditions necessary for rusting:
i) Open surfaces of the metal.
ii) Presence of air (Oxygen).
iii) Presence of moisture (water).
2. You are given the following materials (a) marble chips (b) dilute hydrochloric acid (c)
Zinc granules ,identify the type of reaction when marble chips and Zinc granules are
added separately to acid taken in two test tubes .
Ans. (a) marble chips react with dilute hydrochloric acid to form calcium chloride and
carbon dioxide .it is a double displacement reaction
CaCO3+2HCl CaCl2 + H2O +CO2
(b) Zinc granules react with dilute hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen gas. it is a
displacement reaction
Zn(s)+2HCl ZnCl2(aq)+H2((g)
3. The gases hydrogen & chlorine do not react with each other even if kept together for a
long time. However, in the presence of sunlight, they readily combine. What does
actually happen?
Ans. In Chemical reactions, energy is needed to break the bonds present in the reacting
molecules so that they may combine to form the products. In this reaction, sunlight is the
source of energy in the form of photons. The energy made available by sunlight helps in
breaking the bonds & this leads to chemical reaction between hydrogen& chlorine.
H2(g) + Cl2(g) sunlight 2HCl (g)
4. A, B and C are three elements which undergo chemical reactions in the following way:
A2O3 + 2BB2O + 2A
3 CSO4 + 2B B2(SO4)3 + 3C
3 CO+ 2A A2O3 +3C
Answer the following
a) Which element is most reactive?
b) Which element is least reactive ?
Ans: a) The most reactive element is B. It has displaced both A and c from their
compounds.
b) The least reactive element is C as it has been displaced by both A and B .
5. Ahmad took a magnesium ribbon (cleaned) and burned it on a flame. The white
powder formed was taken in a test tube and water was added to it. He then tested the
solution formed with red and blue litmus paper. What change was seen? Why?
Ans. Red litmus paper turned blue. Blue litmus paper remained blue. This is because the
magnesium ribbon on burning in air forms the white magnesium oxide. Which dissolved
in water, it forms magnesium hydroxide, which is basic in nature
6. Give one example of a combination reaction in which an element combines with a
compound to give you a new compound.
Ans. O2 + 2SO2 2SO3 || 8NH3 + 3Cl2 6NH4Cl
Reaction worksheet
Write balanced equations for the following word equations.
1. Potassium chloride + Silver nitratePotassium nitrate + Silver chloride
2. Aluminum hydroxide + Sodium nitrate Aluminum nitrate + Sodium hydroxide
3. Iron metal + Copper(II) sulphate Iron(ii) sulphate + copper metal
4. Aluminum metal + Copper(II) chloride Aluminum chloride + copper metal
5. Potassium bromidePotassium metal + Bromine
6. Calcium carbonate Calcium oxide + Carbon dioxide gas
7. Zinc metal + Oxygen gas Zinc oxide
8. Chlorine gas + Sodium metal Sodium chloride
9. Aluminum sulphate + Barium chlorideAluminum chloride + Barium sulphate
10. Sodium hydrogen carbonate Sodium carbonate + Carbon dioxide + Water