Chapter 1chemical Reactions and Equations

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Chemical Reactions and Equations

Physical Changes and Chemical Changes


Chemical Change - A chemical change is a type of change where one or more new
substances are formed with different physical and chemical properties. Generally, this
type of change is irreversible and permanent in nature.
For example, when iron reacts with copper sulphate solutions, ferrous sulphate and
copper are obtained as the by-product of the reaction.
Physical Change - A change where no new substance is formed. In this type of
change, only the physical properties such as colour, shape or size are of the reactants
change. These changes are reversible and temporary in nature.
For example, boiling of water, where water changes into water vapour on boiling.
Chemical Reaction: The transformation of chemical substance into another chemical substance is
known as Chemical Reaction. For example: Rusting of iron, the setting of milk into curd, digestion
of food, respiration, etc.

In a chemical reaction, a new substance is formed which is completely different in properties from
the original substance, so in a chemical reaction, a chemical change takes place.
Only a rearrangement of atoms takes place in a chemical reaction.

• The substances which take part in a chemical reaction are called reactants.
• The new substances produced as a result of a chemical reaction are called products.

Example: The burning of magnesium in the air to form magnesium oxide is an example of a
chemical reaction.

2Mg(s) + O2(g) △→ 2MgO(s)

Before burning in air, the magnesium ribbon is cleaned by rubbing with sandpaper.
This is done to remove the protective layer of basic magnesium carbonate from the surface of the
magnesium ribbon.

Reactant: Substances which take part in a chemical reaction are called reactants.
Example: Mg and O2.

Product: New substance formed after a chemical reaction is called a product.Example: MgO.

Determinant / Characteristics of Chemical Reactions are as follows :


(i) Evolution of gas: The chemical reaction between zinc and dilute sulphuric acid is characterised
by the evolution of hydrogen gas.
Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + H2(g) ↑

(ii) Change in Colour: The chemical reaction between citric acid and purple coloured potassium
permanganate solution is characterised by a change in colour from purple to colourless.
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The chemical reaction between sulphur dioxide gas and acidified potassium dichromate solution
is characterized by a change in colour from orange to green.

(iii) Change in state of substance: The combustion reaction of candle wax is characterised by a
change in state from solid to liquid and gas (because the wax is a solid, water formed by the
combustion of wax is a liquid at room temperature whereas, carbon dioxide produced by the
combustion of wax is a gas). There are some chemical reactions which can show more than one
characteristics.

(iv) Change in temperature: The chemical reaction between quick lime water to form slaked lime
is characterized by a change in temperature (which is a rise in temperature).
The chemical reaction between zinc granules and dilute sulphuric acid is also characterised by a
change in temperature (which is a rise in temperature).

(v) Formation of precipitate: The chemical reaction between sulphuric acid and barium chloride
solution is characterised by the formation of a white precipitate of barium sulphate.
BaCl2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → BaSO4(s) (ppt) + 2HCl(aq)

What is a chemical Equation


Chemical Equation: Representation of chemical reaction using symbols and formulae of the
substances is called Chemical Equation.
Example: A + B → C + D
In this equation, A and B are called reactants and C and D are called the products. The arrow
shows the direction of the chemical reaction. Condition, if any, is written generally above the
arrow.

When hydrogen reacts with oxygen, it gives water. This reaction can be represented by the
following chemical equation:
Hydrogen + Oxygen → Water
H2 + O2 → H2O
In the first equation, words are used and in second, symbols of substances are used to write the
chemical equation. For convenience, the symbol of substance is used to represent chemical
equations.
A chemical equation is a way to represent the chemical reaction in a concise and informative way.
A chemical equation can be divided into two types: Balanced Chemical Equation and Unbalanced
Chemical Equation.

(a) Balanced Chemical Equation: A balanced chemical equation has the number of atoms of each
element equal on both sides.
Example: Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2
In this equation, numbers of zinc, hydrogen and sulphate are equal on both sides, so it is a
Balanced Chemical Equation.
According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a
chemical reaction. To obey this law, the total mass of elements present in reactants must be
equal to the total mass of elements present in products.

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(b) Unbalanced Chemical Equation: If the number of atoms of each element in reactants is not
equal to the number of atoms of each element present in the product, then the chemical equation
is called Unbalanced Chemical Equation.
Example: Fe + H2O → Fe3O4 + H2
In this example, a number of atoms of elements are not equal on two sides of the reaction. For
example; on the left-hand side only one iron atom is present, while three iron atoms are present on
the right-hand side. Therefore, it is an unbalanced chemical equation.

Balancing a Chemical Equation: To balance the given or any chemical equation, follow these
steps:
Fe + H2O → Fe3O4 + H2
Write the number of atoms of elements present in reactants and in products in a table as shown
here.

Name of atom No. of atoms in the reactant No. of atoms in the product
Iron 1 3
Hydrogen 2 2
Oxygen 1 4

Balance the atom which is maximum in number on either side of a chemical equation.
In this equation, the number of oxygen atom is the maximum on the RHS.
To balance the oxygen, one needs to multiply the oxygen on the LHS by 4, so that, the number of
oxygen atoms becomes equal on both sides.
Fe + 4 × H2O → Fe3O4 + H2
Now, the number of hydrogen atoms becomes 8 on the LHS, which is more than that on the RHS.
To balance it, one needs to multiply the hydrogen on the RHS by 4.
Fe + 4 × H2O → Fe3O4 + 4 × H2
After that, the number of oxygen and hydrogen atoms becomes equal on both sides. The number
of iron is one on the LHS, while it is three on the RHS. To balance it, multiply the iron on the LHS by
3.
3 × Fe + 4 × H2O → Fe3O4 + 4 × H2
Now the number of atoms of each element becomes equal on both sides. Thus, this equation
becomes a balanced equation.

Name of atom No. of atoms in the reactant No. of atoms in the product
Iron 3 3
Hydrogen 8 8
Oxygen 4 4

After balancing, the above equation can be written as follows:


3Fe + 4H2O → Fe3O4 + 4H2.

Also We can do it as below

Steps Balanced Chemical Equation

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A chemical equation is said to be balanced when the number of atoms of the elements
on the reactant side is equal to the number of atoms of the elements on the product
side. There are certain steps that you can follow to balance a chemical equation, and
they are:
• Make a list of each element involved in the equation.
• Then identify the number of atoms present in each element on both reactant and
product side.
• Multiply the number of atoms to make both reactants and product side equal.
• Place the coefficient in front of the reactants and product elements, so obtained
from the multiplication.
• Check the equation to assure that it is balanced.
Unbalanced Chemical Equation - CaCo + H PO → Ca (PO ) + H Co
3 3 4 3 4 2 2 3

Balanced Chemical Equation - 3CaCo + 2H Po → Ca (Po ) + 3H Co


3 3 4 3 4 2 2 3

To Make Equations More Informative following rules are followed:


Writing the symbols of physical states of substances in a chemical equation:
By writing the physical states of substances, a chemical equation becomes more informative.

• The reactants are written on the left side of the equation.


• The products are written on the right side of the equation.
• For solids, we write (s).
• For liquids, we write (l).
• For gas, we write (g).
• For aqueous solution, we write (aq).
• If gas is produced in a reaction, we represent it by (↑).
• If a precipitate is produced in a reaction, we represent it by (↓).
• Writing the condition in which reaction takes place: The condition is generally written above
and/or below the arrow of a chemical equation.

Thus, by writing the symbols of the physical state of substances and condition under which
reaction takes place, a chemical equation can be made more informative.

Types of Chemical Reactions Are :

Combination Reaction, Decomposition Reaction, Displacement Reaction,

Double Displacement Reaction, Neutralization Reactions,

Exothermic – Endothermic Reactions and

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions.

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Types of Chemical Reactions:
Chemical reactions can be classified in following types:
(i) Combination Reaction: Reactions in which two or more reactants combine to form one product
are called Combination Reactions.
A general combination reaction can be represented by the chemical equation given here:
A + B → AB
Examples:
When magnesium is burnt in the air (oxygen), magnesium oxide is formed. In this reaction,
magnesium is combined with oxygen.
Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s)
Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium Oxide

When carbon is burnt in oxygen (air), carbon dioxide is formed. In this reaction, carbon is
combined with oxygen.
C (s) + O2(g) → CO2(g)
Carbon + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide

(ii) Decomposition Reaction: Reactions in which one compound decomposes in two or more
compounds or elements are known as Decomposition Reaction. A decomposition reaction is just
the opposite of combination reaction.
A general decomposition reaction can be represented as follows :
AB → A + B
Examples:
When calcium carbonate is heated, it decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
CaCO3(s) heat−→− CaO(s) + CO2(g)
Calcium carbonate → Calcium oxide + Carbon dioxide
When ferric hydroxide is heated, it decomposes into ferric oxide and water
2Fe(OH)3(s) △→ Fe2O3(s) + 3H2O(l)
Thermal Decomposition: The decomposition of a substance on heating is known as Thermal
Decomposition.
Example: 2Pb(NO3)2(s) heat−→− 2PbO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)
Electrolytic Decomposition: Reactions in which compounds decompose into simpler compounds
because of passing of electricity, are known as Electrolytic Decomposition. This is also known as
Electrolysis.
Example: When electricity is passed in water, it decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen.

2H2O(l) = 2H2(g) + O2(g)


Photolysis or Photo Decomposition Reaction: Reactions in which a compound decomposes
because of sunlight are known as Photolysis or Photo Decomposition Reaction.
Example: When silver chloride is put in sunlight, it decomposes into silver metal and chlorine gas.
2AgCl(s) (white) Sunlight−→−−−−− 2Ag(s) (grey) + Cl2(g)
Photographic paper has a coat of silver chloride, which turns into grey when exposed to sunlight. It
happens because silver chloride is colourless while silver is a grey metal.

(iii) Displacement Reaction: The chemical reactions in which a more reactive element displaces a
less reactive element from a compound is known as Displacement Reactions. Displacement
reactions are also known as Substitution Reaction or Single Displacement/ replacement reactions.
A general displacement reaction can be represented by using a chemical equation as follows :
A + BC → AC + B

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Displacement reaction takes place only when ‘A’ is more reactive than B. If ‘B’ is more reactive
than ‘A’, then ‘A’ will not displace ‘C’ from ‘BC’ and reaction will not be taking place.
Examples:
When zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid, it gives hydrogen gas and zinc chloride.
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)

When zinc reacts with copper sulphate, it forms zinc sulphate and copper metal.
Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s)

(iv) Double Displacement Reaction: Reactions in which ions are exchanged between two
reactants forming new compounds are called Double Displacement Reactions.
AB + CD → AC + BD
Examples:
When the solution of barium chloride reacts with the solution of sodium sulphate, white precipitate
of barium sulphate is formed along with sodium chloride.
BaCl2(aq) + Na2SO4(aq) → BaSO4(s) (Precipitate) + 2NaCl(aq)

When sodium hydroxide (a base) reacts with hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride and water are
formed.
NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

Note: Double Displacement Reaction, in which precipitate is formed, is also known as precipitation
reaction. Neutralisation reactions are also examples of double displacement reaction.

Precipitation Reaction: The reaction in which precipitate is formed by the mixing of the aqueous
solution of two salts is called Precipitation Reaction.
Example:

Neutralization Reaction: The reaction in which an acid reacts with a base to form salt and water
by an exchange of ions is called Neutralization Reaction.
Example:

(v) Oxidation and Reduction Reactions:


Oxidation: Addition of oxygen or non-metallic element or removal of hydrogen or metallic element
from a compound is known as Oxidation.
Elements or compounds in which oxygen or non-metallic element is added or hydrogen or metallic
element is removed are called to be Oxidized.
Reduction: Addition of hydrogen or metallic element or removal of oxygen or non-metallic element
from a compound is called Reduction.
The compound or element which goes under reduction in called to be Reduced.

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Oxidation and Reduction take place together.
Oxidizing agent:

• The substance which gives oxygen for oxidation is called an Oxidizing agent.
• The substance which removes hydrogen is also called an Oxidizing agent.

Reducing agent:

• The substance which gives hydrogen for reduction is called a Reducing agent.
• The substance which removes oxygen is also called a Reducing agent.

The reaction in which oxidation and reduction both take place simultaneously is called Redox
reaction.
When copper oxide is heated with hydrogen, then copper metal and hydrogen are formed.
CuO + H2 → Cu + H2O
(i) In this reaction, CuO is changing into Cu. Oxygen is being removed from copper oxide. Removal
of oxygen from a substance is called Reduction, so copper oxide is being reduced to copper.

(ii) In this reaction, H2 is changing to H2O. Oxygen is being added to hydrogen. Addition of oxygen
to a substance is called Oxidation, so hydrogen is being oxidised to water.

• The substance which gets oxidised is the reducing agent.


• The substance which gets reduced is the oxidizing agent.

(vi) Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions:


Exothermic Reaction: Reaction which produces energy is called Exothermic Reaction. Most of the
decomposition reactions are exothermic.
Example:
Respiration is a decomposition reaction in which energy is released.

When quick lime (CaO) is added to water, it releases energy.

Endothermic Reaction: A chemical reaction in which heat energy is absorbed is called


Endothermic Reaction.
Example: Decomposition of calcium carbonate.

Effects of Oxidation Reactions in Everyday life: Corrosion and Rancidity.


Corrosion: The process of slow conversion of metals into their undesirable compounds due to

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their reaction with oxygen, water, acids, gases etc. present in the atmosphere is called Corrosion.
Example: Rusting of iron.

Rusting: Iron when reacts with oxygen and moisture forms red substance which is called Rust.

The rusting of iron is a redox reaction.


Corrosion (rusting) weakens the iron and steel objects and structures such as railings, car bodies,
bridges and ships etc. and cuts short their life.
Methods to Prevent Rusting

• By painting.
• By greasing and oiling.
• By galvanisation.

Corrosion of Copper: Copper objects lose their lustre and shine after some time because the
surface of these objects acquires a green coating of basic copper carbonate, CuCO3.Cu(OH)2 when
exposed to air.

Corrosion of Silver Metal: The surface of silver metal gets tarnished (becomes dull) on exposure
to air, due to the formation of a coating of black silver sulphide(Ag2S) on its surface by the action
of H2S gas present in the air.

Rancidity: The taste and odour of food materials containing fat and oil changes when they are left
exposed to air for a long time. This is called Rancidity. It is caused due to the oxidation of fat and
oil present in food materials.

Methods to prevent rancidity:

• By adding anti-oxidant.
• Vacuum packing.
• Replacing air by nitrogen.
• Refrigeration of foodstuff.

Quick Review

1. Chemical Reaction: During chemical reactions, the chemical composition of substances


changes or new substances are formed.

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2. Chemical Equation: Chemical reactions can be written in chemical equation form which should
always be balanced.

3. Types of Chemical Reactions:

Combination reaction: A single product is formed from two or more reactants.


2Mg + O2 → 2MgO

Decomposition reaction: A single reactant breaks down to yield two or more products.

• Thermal decomposition: 2Pb(NO2)2 → 2PbO + 4NO2 + O2


• Electrolysis: 2H20 → 2H2 + O2
• Photochemical reaction: 2AgBr → 2Ag + Br2

Displacement reaction: One element is displaced by another element.


Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu

Double displacement reaction: Exchange of ions between reactants.


AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO3

Redox reaction: Both oxidation and reduction take place simultaneously.


CuO + H2 → Cu + H2O

Exothermic reaction: A chemical reaction in which heat energy is evolved.


C + O2 → CO2 (g) + heat

Endothermic reaction: A chemical reaction in which heat energy is absorbed.


ZnCO3 + Heat → ZnO + CO2

Redox reaction: Chemical reaction in which both oxidation and reduction take place
simultaneously.

4. Oxidation: Reaction that involves the gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen.

5. Reduction: Reaction that shows the loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen.


ZnO + C → Zn + CO
ZnO is reduced to Zn—reduction. C is oxidized to CO—Oxidation.

6. Effects of Oxidation Reactions in Our Daily Life:

• Corrosion: It is an undesirable change that occurs in metals when they are attacked
by moisture, air, acids and bases.
Example, Corrosion (rusting) of Iron: Fe2O3. nH2O (Hydrated iron oxide)
• Rancidity: Undesirable change that takes place in oil containing food items due to the
oxidation of fatty acids.
Preventive methods of rancidity: Adding antioxidants to the food materials, storing
food in the airtight container, flushing out air with nitrogen gas and refrigeration.
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Chap 3 but important for displacement reactions

Reactivity Series
What is the Reactivity Series?
The reactivity series of metals, also known as the activity series, refers to the arrangement of metals
in the descending order of their reactivities.
The data provided by the reactivity series can be used to predict whether a metal can displace another in a
single displacement reaction. It can also be used to obtain information on the reactivity of metals towards
water and acids.
A chart of the reactivity series of common metals is provided below.

Metals tend to readily lose electrons and form cations. Most of them react with atmospheric oxygen to form
metal oxides. However, different metals have different reactivities towards oxygen (unreactive metals such
as gold and platinum do not readily form oxides when exposed to air).

Salient Features
• The metals at the top of the reactivity series are powerful reducing agents since they are easily
oxidized. These metals tarnish/corrode very easily.

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• The reducing ability of the metals grows weaker while traversing down the series.
• The electro positivity of the elements also reduces while moving down the reactivity series of metals.
• All metals that are found above hydrogen in the activity series liberate H2 gas upon reacting with
dilute HCl or dilute H2SO4.
• Metals that are placed higher on the reactivity series have the ability to displace metals that are
placed lower from their salt solutions.
• Higher ranking metals require greater amounts of energy for their isolation from ores and other
compounds.
Another important feature of the activity series is that while travelling down the series, the electron-donating
ability of the metals reduces.

Long Tabular Form of the Reactivity Series


The reactivities of metals are tabulated below (in the descending order) along with their corresponding ions.
Some metals react with cold water, Some donot react with cold water but can react with acids, and some
from Antimony and below react with strong oxidizing acids.

Reactivity Series of Metals Ions Formed

Caesium Cs+

Francium Fr+

Rubidium Rb+

Potassium K+

Sodium Na+

Lithium Li+

Barium Ba2+

Radium Ra2+

Strontium Sr2+

Calcium Ca2+

Magnesium Mg2+

Beryllium Be2+

Aluminium Al3+

Titanium Ti4+

Manganese Mn2+

Zinc Zn2+

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Chromium Cr3+

Iron Fe3+

Cadmium Cd2+

Cobalt Co2+

Nickel Ni2+

Tin Sn2+

Lead Pb2+

Hydrogen H+ (Non-Metal, Reference for Comparison)

Antimony Sb3+

Bismuth Bi3+

Copper Cu2+

Tungsten W3+

Mercury Hg2+

Silver Ag+

Platinum Pt4+

Gold Au3+
Despite being a non-metal, hydrogen is often included in the reactivity series since it helps compare the
reactivities of the metals. The metals placed above hydrogen in the series can displace it from acids such as
HCl and H2SO4 (since they are more reactive).

Important uses of Reactivity Series


Apart from providing insight into the properties and reactivities of the metals, the reactivity series has
several other important applications. For example, the outcome of the reactions between metals and water,
metals and acids, and single displacement reactions between metals can be predicted with the help of the
activity series.

Reaction Between Metals and Water


Calcium and the metals that are more reactive than calcium in the reactivity series can react with cold water
to form the corresponding hydroxide while liberating hydrogen gas. For example, the reaction between
potassium and water yields potassium hydroxide and H2 gas, as described by the chemical equation provided
below.
2K + 2H2O → 2KOH + H2
Therefore, the reactivity series of metals can be used to predict the reactions between metals and water.
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Reaction Between Metals and Acids
Lead and the metals ranking above lead on the activity series form salts when reacted with hydrochloric acid
or sulphuric acid. These reactions also involve the liberation of hydrogen gas. The reaction between zinc and
sulphuric acid is an example of such a reaction. Here, zinc sulfate and H2 gas are formed as products. The
chemical equation is:
Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2
Thus, the reactions between metals and some acids can be predicted with the help of the reactivity series.

Single Displacement Reactions Between Metals


The ions of low ranking metals are readily reduced by high ranking metals on the reactivity series.
Therefore, low ranking metals are easily displaced by high ranking metals in the single displacement
reactions between them.
A great example of such a reaction is the displacement of copper from copper sulfate by zinc. The chemical
equation for this reaction is given by:
Zn (s) + CuSO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 (aq) + Cu (s)
This concept has several practical applications in the extraction of metals. For example, titanium is extracted
from titanium tetrachloride via a single displacement reaction with magnesium. Thus, the reactivity series of
metals can also be used to predict the outcome of single displacement reactions.

What does a reactivity series show?


In order of reactivity the reactivity series shows metals. A metal’s reactivity can be worked out by studying
its reactions in both the reactions to competition and displacement.

What metal is the least reactive?


The elements in the periodic table known as the transition metals are much less reactive, and metals such as
gold and platinum endorse the bottom of the list, exhibiting less in the way of chemical reaction with any
ordinary reagents.

What is metal reactivity?


The metal reactivity sequence, also known as the set of operations, refers to the organization of metals in the
ascending order of their reactivities. … Metals tend to lose electrons and form cations quickly. Some lead to
the forming of metal oxides with ambient oxygen.

Which is the most reactive element?


The most reactive elementary group is alkali metals (situated far apart from intermediate metals and noble
gases). Cesium is second from the bottom of this group, has 6 shells of electrons, and it matches the features
of a reactive atom, making it the most reactive element.

Are non-metals Reactive or non-reactive?


Non-metal properties have a relatively low boiling point, and other non-metals are gases. Likewise, non-
metals are poor heat conductors, and solid non-metals are dull and brittle. Many non-metals are strongly
reactive, while others are in no way reactive. It depends on the number of electrons in the outer amount of
energy.

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Practice Questions

• What is a Chemical Change?


• What is a Physical Change?
• What do you mean by a chemical reaction?
• What are the different types of Chemical reactions?
• What is a Neutralisation reaction?
• What do you mean by double displacement reaction?
• Give an example of Decomposition reaction.
• What is the meaning of the combination reaction?
• Write in brief about the endothermic reaction.
• Explain with an example, the meaning of exothermic reaction.
• What is the meaning of redox reaction?
• What is a Single Displacement reaction? Give an example.
• Differentiate between single displacement and double displacement reaction.
• What are the steps to write a chemical equation?
• What do you mean by a precipitation reaction?
• How to balance a chemical equation?
• What is the meaning of a word equation?

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