A chemical equation can be called visualization of a chemical reaction using signs of mathematics and chemical formulas. Such an action is a reflection of any reaction in the process of which new substances appear.
Chemical assignments: types
A chemical equation is a sequence of chemical reactions. They are based on the law of conservation of mass of any substances. There are only two types of reactions:
- Compounds - these include substitution reactions (atoms of complex elements are replaced by atoms of simple reagents), exchange (substitution by the constituent parts of two complex substances), neutralization (reaction of acids with bases, formation of salt and water).
- Decompositions - the formation of two or more complex or simple substances from one complex, but their composition is simpler.
Chemical reactions can also be divided into types: exothermic (occur with the release of heat) and endothermic (absorption of heat).
How to solve the equations of chemical reactions
This question worries many students. We put forward some simple tips that will tell you how to learn how to solve chemical equations:
- The desire to understand and master. You can’t retreat from your goal.
- Theoretical knowledge. Without them, it is impossible to formulate even an elementary formula of a compound.
- The correctness of the record of the chemical problem - even the slightest mistake in the condition will nullify all your efforts in solving it.
It is advisable that the process of solving chemical equations be fun for you. Then the chemical equations (how to solve them and what points you need to remember, we will analyze in this article) will cease to be problematic for you.
Tasks that are solved using the equations of chemical reactions
These tasks include:
- Finding the mass of a component for a given mass of another reagent.
- Tasks on the combination of mass-mole.
- Calculations by the combination of volume-mol.
- Examples using the term "excess".
- Calculations using reagents, one of which is not without impurities.
- Tasks for the decay of the reaction result and for production losses.
- Tasks for finding the formula.
- Tasks in which reagents are provided as solutions.
- Tasks containing mixtures.
Each of these types of tasks includes several subtypes, which are usually discussed in detail at the first school chemistry lessons.
Chemical equations: how to solve
There is an algorithm that helps to cope with almost any task from this difficult science. To understand how to solve chemical equations correctly, you need to adhere to a certain pattern:
- When writing down the reaction equation, remember to set the coefficients.
- Determining the method by which unknown data can be found.
- The correct application of proportions in the selected formula or the use of the concept of “quantity of substance”.
- Pay attention to units.
In the end, it is important to check the problem. During the decision process, you could have made an elementary mistake that affected the outcome of the decision.
Basic rules for the preparation of chemical equations
If you follow the correct sequence, then the question of what chemical equations are, how to solve them, will not bother you:
- Formulas of substances that react (reagents) are written on the left side of the equation.
- Formulas of substances that are formed as a result of the reaction are written down already on the right side of the equation.
The preparation of the reaction equation is based on the law of conservation of mass of substances. Therefore, both sides of the equation must be equal, i.e., with the same number of atoms. This can be achieved with the correct arrangement of the coefficients in front of the formulas of substances.
Arrangement of coefficients in the chemical equation
The algorithm for setting the coefficients is as follows:
- Counting the left and right sides of the atomic equation of each element.
- Determining the changing number of atoms in an element. You also need to find N.O.K.
- Obtaining coefficients is achieved by dividing N.O.K. on indices. Be sure to put these numbers in front of the formulas.
- The next step is to recalculate the number of atoms. Sometimes it becomes necessary to repeat the action.
Equalization of parts of a chemical reaction occurs using coefficients. The calculation of indices is made through valency.
For the successful preparation and solution of chemical equations, it is necessary to take into account the physical properties of the substance, such as volume, density, mass. You also need to know the state of the reacting system (concentration, temperature, pressure), understand the units of measurement of these quantities.
To understand the question of what chemical equations are, how to solve them, it is necessary to use the basic laws and concepts of this science. In order to successfully calculate such problems, it is also necessary to remember or master the skills of mathematical operations, to be able to perform actions with numbers. We hope you find it easier to deal with chemical equations with our tips.