Lesson Notes on Chemical Formulas and Chemical Equations

Chemical Formulae of Compounds

A chemical formula is a symbolic representation of a compound, showing the elements present
and their relative proportions.
Types of Chemical Formulae:
(a) Molecular Formula. This is one that shows the actual (exact) number of atoms of each
element present in a compound.
Example: Glucose (C6H12O6), Water (H2O), Ethane (C2H6) and n-hexyne (C6H10)
(b) Empirical Formula. This is one that shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms of each
element present in a compound. It is the simplest formula that expresses the simplest ratio of the
atoms present in a given compound. This formula is obtained by experimental analysis of a
compound and it can be related to a molecular formula only if the molecular weight is known.
Example: Glucose (CH2O), Water (H2O), Ethane (CH3) and n-hexyne (C3H5)
(c) Structural Formula. This is one that shows how exact/actual number of atoms in a compound
are arranged and bonded in a molecule. For example, the structural formula of ethane, C2H6 is

(d) Condensed Formula – A simplified version of the structural formula that shows the
connectivity between exact number of atoms. Example: Ethanol – CH₃CH₂OH, ethane – CH3CH3
Significance of Chemical Formulae
(i) Indicate the composition of a substance.
(ii) Help in understanding chemical reactions.
(iii) Essential in balancing chemical equations.
Important concepts about chemical formulae
(a) In a chemical formula, the number written as a subscript after the symbol of an element
indicates the number of atoms of that element which are chemically combined.
Consider examples of the chemical formulae below.
In water, H2O - the two (2) represents the number of hydrogen atoms chemically combined.
Therefore, water consist of two (2) hydrogen atoms and one (1) oxygen atom chemically
combined together.
In sulphuric acid (H2SO4) - there are 2 atoms of hydrogen, 1 atom of sulphur and 4 atoms of
oxygen chemically combined together.
In ammonium carbonate, (NH4)2CO3 is the chemical formula which consists of 2 atoms of
nitrogen, 8 atoms of hydrogen, 1 atom of carbon and 3 atoms of oxygen chemically combined.
(b) For groups of atoms (radicals), a bracket is used showing that they are being considered
under the same valency.
Examples:
In calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2, the 2 indicates that there are 2 nitrate radicals (NO3-). Both
nitrogen and oxygen in nitrate are being considered under the same valency.
In aluminium sulphate, Al2(SO4)3, the 3 shows that there are 2 sulphate radicals (SO42-), both the
sulphur and oxygen in the sulphate are being considered under the same valency. There fore,
Al2(SO4)3 consists of 2 atoms of aluminium and 3 sulphate radicals.
(c) A number put infront of the formula of a compound indicates the number of molecules of the
compound. For example
2H2SO4 this means two molecules of sulphuric acid
8HNO3 means eight molecules of nitric acid
3CO2 means three molecules of carbondioxide
H2O means one molecule of water
(d) To be able to write a chemical formula, one has to know the symbol and valency of the atoms
or radicals.
Steps taken in writing chemical formulae
1. Identify from the name of the compound, the elements and radicals present e.g. in sodium
chloride, there is sodium and chloride radical.
2. Write the symbol of the element or the formula of the radical separately, beginning with the
one of a metal or ammonium radial followed by a non metal or radical.
3. Write the valencies as superscripts to the right of the symbols written separately.
Valency is the combining power of an element or radical.
Examples of elements with their valencies
4. Compare the valencies and if the valencies are;
(a) are the same, cancel them out and write the symbols/formula close to each other.
(b) are different, but have a common factor, reduce them to the simplest ratio then interchange
the valencies and write them as subscripts to the right of the symbol or formula of the radical.
(c) Are different and have no common factor, interchange them and write them as subscripts to
the right of the symbol or formulae of radical.
Assignment: identify atleast 10 compounds and write their chemical formulae and present your
findings.

Chemical Equations
A chemical equation represents a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas.
There are many chemical reactions some of which include;
(a) Direct Combination Reaction. This is a reaction in which two or more chemical substances
combine to form a single product.
Example: 2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l)
(b) Decomposition Reaction. This is a reaction in which a compound breaks down into smaller
simpler substances.
This is mainly caused by heating, electric current in electrolysis and other conditions.
Example: 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g)
(c) Single Displacement Reaction. This is a reaction in which one element replaces another in a
compound.
Example: Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
(d) Double Displacement Reaction / double decomposition or precipitation. This is a reaction in
which two compounds exchange ions to form new compounds.
Example: NaCl(aq) + AgNO3(aq) → NaNO3(aq) + AgCl(s)
(e) Combustion Reaction. This is a reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen, producing
energy.
Example: CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
(f) Neutralisation reaction. This is a reaction in which an acid and a base to form a salt and water
only.
Example: HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
Types of Chemical Equations:
(a) Word Equation: This is an equation that uses names of chemical substances to describe the
reactants and products. Example: Hydrogen + Oxygen → Water
(b) Skeleton Equation: This is an equation that uses chemical formulae and symbols of chemical
substances to describe the reactants and products but it is not balanced.
Example: H2 + O2 → H2O
(c) Symbolic Equation: This is an equation that uses chemical formulae and symbols of chemical
substances to describe the reactants and products and shows the correct proportions of reactants
and products, obeying the Law of Conservation of Mass. i.e. It is balanced.
The Law of Conservation of mass states that ‘mass cannot be created or destroyed’ in a chemical
reaction but it only changes form’. This means that the total mass of reactants must equal the
total mass of products. Example: 2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l)
(d) Ionic Equation: This is an equation that represents the chemical reaction by showing the ions
involved, caused by the dissociation of soluble compounds in aqueous solutions. There are two
main types:
(i) Full/Complete Ionic Equation: This breaks down all soluble ionic compounds into their
respective ions. For example, the reaction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) with sodium chloride (NaCl).
AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)
In ionic form:
Ag+(aq) + NO3−(aq) + Na+(aq) + Cl−(aq) → AgCl(s) + Na+(aq) + NO3−(aq)
(ii) Net Ionic Equation: This is the commonly used ionic equation that removes spectator ions
(ions that do not change or take part in the reaction). It is only the reacting ions that are shown.
Ag+(aq) + Cl−(aq) → AgCl(s)

Components of a chemical equation:

(a) Formulae of reactants and products. These represent compounds reacting and compounds
being formed during a chemical reaction respectively.
(b) State symbols. A state symbol is one small letter or two small letters that represent the
physical state of a compound. They are written after the formulae and enclosed in brackets.
There are four state symbols used. These are aqueous solution (aq); liquid (l); solid state(s) and
gaseous state (g).
(c) The plus (+) sign. The plus sign on the left-hand side of the equation means ‘reacts with’ and
the one at the right-hand side of the equation means ‘and’.
(d) The arrow. This means to produce and the arrow head points to the products.

Importance of Chemical Equations

(a) It predicts the amounts of reactants needed and that of the products formed.
(b) Helps in industrial and laboratory chemical processes.
(c) Essential in environmental and medical studies.

Examples of Real-life applications of equations

1. Cooking and Baking (Decomposition Reactions)
Scenario: When baking a cake, baking powder (sodium bicarbonate / sodium hydrogen
carbonate) decomposes to release carbon dioxide gas, making the cake to expand.
Chemical Equation: 2NaHCO3(s) → Na2CO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Application: Carbon dioxide bubbles expand in the batter (a semi-liquid mixture of flour, eggs
and milk or water), creating a fluffy (light and airy) texture.
2. Respiration (Cellular Energy Production)
Scenario: Animals breathe in oxygen to break down glucose and release energy.
Chemical Equation: C6H12O6 (aq) + 6O2(g) → 6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l) + energy (ATP)
Application: This reaction provides the energy needed for movement, brain function, and
survival.
3. Car Airbags Deployment (Decomposition of Sodium Azide)
Scenario: In a car crash, airbags inflate instantly due to a rapid chemical reaction.
Chemical Equation: 2NaN3(s) → 2Na(s) + 3N2(g)
Application: The decomposition of sodium azide releases nitrogen gas, inflating the airbag in
milliseconds.
4. Cleaning with Bleach (Oxidation Reactions)
Scenario: Household bleach is used to remove stains and also kill bacteria.
Chemical Equation: NaClO(s) + H2O(l) → HOCl(aq) + NaOH(aq)
Application: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) acts as a powerful disinfectant, breaking down stains
and germs.
5. Fireworks and Explosions (Combustion Reactions)
Scenario: Fireworks explode in the sky, producing bright colors and loud sounds.
Chemical Equation (for black powder explosion):
2KNO3(s) + S(s) + 3C(s) → K2S(s) + N2(g) + 3CO2(g)
Application: This reaction produces heat, gases, and sparks that create the visual and sound
effects.
6. Digestion of Food (Acid-Base Reactions)
Scenario: The stomach contains hydrochloric acid (HCl), which helps digest food by breaking
down proteins.
Chemical Equation (for protein digestion): Protein + HCl → Smaller Peptides
Application: The reaction helps in the absorption of nutrients from food.
7. Rusting of Iron (Corrosion)
Scenario: Iron objects exposed to air and water develop rust over time.
Chemical Equation: 4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) + 6H2O(l) → 4Fe(OH)3(s)
Fe(OH)3(s) → Fe2O3⋅xH2O(s) (Rust)
Application: Understanding this reaction helps in preventing rust using protective coatings in a
number of ways.
8. Blood Clotting (Fibrin Formation)
Scenario: When you get a cut, your blood clots to stop excessive bleeding.
Chemical Equation (Simplified Reaction): Fibrinogen + Thrombin → Fibrin (clot)
Application: This reaction is crucial for wound healing and preventing blood loss.

Steps to Balance a Chemical Equation

Balancing chemical equations ensures that the number of atoms of each element is the same on
both sides of the equation, maintaining the law of conservation of mass.
The general rules for balancing equations include:
(a) Write the correct formulae or symbols of the reactants on the left-hand side and the correct
formulae of products on the right-hand side of the equation. The reactants and products are
separated by an arrow pointing towards the products.
(b) Write the state symbol (physical state) of the reactants and products in small letters after each
formula or symbol and enclose them in brackets.
(c) Count the number of atoms of each element present on both sides of the equation.
(d) Adjust the coefficients (whole numbers) written before the formula or symbol of reactants
and products but not the subscripts (numbers within the formulae), in order to balance the atoms.
Balance metals first, then nonmetals. Hydrogen atoms, oxygen atoms and diatomic molecules
(Cl2, H2, O2) are preferably balanced last.
(e) Check to ensure the equation obeys the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Practice questions for balancing equations in Real-Life Application

1. Cooking and baking.
Scenario: Jane is in the kitchen baking a cake. She realizes that just like how ingredients must be
in the right proportions to bake a perfect cake, chemicals in a reaction must also be balanced. She
observes that when vinegar (acetic acid) reacts with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), it
produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.
Question: Write the chemical equation for the reaction between acetic acid (ethanoic acid) and
sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) and explain why it is necessary to balance
chemical equations in real-life situations.
2. Environmental Science Connection.
Scenario: A factory releases sulphur dioxide gas into the atmosphere, which reacts with oxygen
and water to form sulphuric acid, a major component of acid rain.
Question: Write and balance the chemical equation for the formation of sulphuric acid from
sulphur dioxide, oxygen, and water. How does balancing this equation help scientists understand
and control pollution?
3. Industrial Chemistry.
Scenario: A fertilizer company manufactures ammonia using nitrogen gas from the air and
hydrogen gas from natural gas. The reaction follows the Haber process, which must be carefully
controlled for efficiency.
Question: Write the equation for the formation of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen and
explain why industries must ensure that reactions are balanced when producing chemicals.
4. Health and Medicine.
Scenario: A doctor explains to a patient that hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant because
it breaks down into water and oxygen, killing bacteria in the process.
Question: Write the unbalanced equation for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Balance
the equation and explain why the correct proportions of reactants and products are important in
medical applications.
Assignment
Identify at least 15 chemical reactions and write their well-balanced equations.
1. Sodium metal reacts with excess oxygen to form sodium peroxide.
2. Ammonia reacts when heated in oxygen to liberate nitrogen gas and water.
3. Ammonia reacts in presence of platinum when heated in oxygen to form nitrogen monoxide
gas and water.
4. Potassium chlorate crystals decomposes on heating to give potassium chloride and oxygen gas.
5. When chlorine gas is passed over heated iron metal, iron(III) chloride is formed.
6. Lead(II)nitrate crystals decompose on heating with a crackling sound to give brown lead(II)
oxide, red brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide and oxygen gas.
7. Copper metal reacts with cold and dilute nitric acid to form a blue solution of copper(II)
nitrate, nitrogen monoxide gas and water.
8. Copper metal reacts with hot and concentrated nitric acid to form a blue solution of copper(II)
nitrate, nitrogen dioxide gas and water.
9. When steam is passed over heated iron metal, a blue-black solid of triiron tetraoxide, and
hydrogen gas are formed.
10. In the haber process, ammonia is formed when atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen are heated
in presence of a catalyst.
11. Ammonia gas reduces heated lead(II) oxide to lead. Nitrogen gas and water are the other
products formed.
12. Iron(III) oxide reacts with sulphuric acid to form aqueous iron(III) sulphate and water.
13. Trilead tetraoxide reacts when heated with concentrated sulphuric acid to form a white solid
of lead(II) sulphate, water and oxygen.
14. Tin reacts with hot concentrated sulphuric acid to form tin(IV) sulphate, sulphur dioxide gas
and water.
15. Potassium dichromate crystals react with hot concentrated hydrochloric acid to form a green
solution of chromium(III) chloride, potassium chloride solution, chlorine gas and water.