Chemical Reactions



 

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Combustion Synthesis Decomposition
Dissociation Single Replacement Double Replacement
Molecular vs. Empirical formula Significant Digits Percent Yields
Units of Pressure Chemistry Laws Solids, Liquids, Gases compared


Combustion

A combustion reaction is when all substances in a compound are combined with oxygen, which then produces carbon dioxide and water. Combustion is commonly called burning. It is an exothermic reaction, which means heat is produced and is easily distinguished. Combustion occurs predominantly in automobiles, homes, and in factories. An example of a combustion reaction is as follows:

CxHy + O2 --> CO2 + H2O

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Synthesis

A synthesis reaction is when there is a combination of two or more substances and a compound results. An example of a synthesis reaction is as follows:

A + B --> AB

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Decomposition

Decomposition is the opposite of synthesis. It is when a compound is broken down into simpler substances, usually through electrolysis. An example of decomposition is as follows:

AB --> A + B

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Dissociation

Dissociation is commonly mistaken as decomposition, but there is a difference. When the compound is broken down, it is broken down into ions rather than atoms, so there will be a charge on the product side of the equation. An example of dissociation is as follows:

AB --> A+ + B-

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Single Replacement Reactions

In a single replacement reaction, there is a rule that is always followed. A metal replaces a metal, or a nonmetal replaces a nonmetal. An example of a single replacement reaction is as follows:

A + BC --> AC + B

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Double Replacement Reactions

In a double replacement reaction, this rule is always followed. A metal replaces a metal, and a nonmetal replaces a nonmetal. An example of a double replacement reaction is as follows:

AB + XY --> AY + XB

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Molecular Formula vs. Empirical Formula

An empirical formula gives only the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in an ionic formula. A molecular formula is the formula used in a molecular compound. The molecular formula for ethylene is C2H4. The empirical formula for ethylene gives the simplest form, which is CH2.

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Significant Digits

Number Digits to count Example Number of Significant Digits
Nonzero digits All *8341* 4
Leading Zeros None 0.000*79* 2
Captive zeros All *1200.00043* 9
Trailing Zeros Only if decimal point *400.0* or *4*00 4 or 1
Scientific Notation All *3.7* X 10-2 2

Rounding Fives with Significant Digits:

For a 5, even with zeros trailing it, increase the last significant digit (see above) by 1 if the digit preceding the 5 is odd. Do not change the last significant digit if the digit preceding the 5 is even. Take a look at these examples:

3.7500 becomes 3.8

3.6500 becomes 3.6

For a five followed by non-zero digits, just increase the last significant digit by 1.

8.652 becomes 8.7

8.6504 becomes 8.7

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Percent Yields

Theoretical Yield: The amount of product predicted to form on the basis of the balanced chemical equation.

Actual Yield: The amount of product actually obtained in a reaction.

Percent Yield: Shows efficiency of reaction by comparing results of Theoretical Yield and Actual Yield. To find the Percent Yield, divide the Actual Yield by the Theoretical Yield, and multiply it by 100%.

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Units of Pressure

Unit Equivalence of 1 kPa
Pascal (Pa) 1 kPa = 1000 Pa
Atmosphere (atm) 1 kPa = 0.009 869 atm
Bar 1 kPa = 0.01 bar
Torr 1 kPa = 7.501 torr
Millimeter of mercury (mm Hg) 1 kPa = 7.501 mm Hg
Pounds per square inch (psi) 1 kPa = .145 psi

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Chemistry Laws

Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures

Ptotal = Pa + Pb + Pc


Charles's Law

Gas volume varies with temperature.


Boyle's Law

In gases, as pressure increases, volume decreases.


Avogadro's Principle

Equal volumes of gases (at the same temperature and pressure) contain equal numbers of particles.


Ideal Gas Law

PV = nRT


Universal Gas Constant

R = 0.08206 L atm/mol K


STP

1 atm, 273 K


Volume of one mole of Gas

22.4 L or 22.4 dm3 at STP

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Solids, Liquids, Gases Compared


Solids

The particles of a solid are always arranged in an orderly manner. They have a constant volume, because the particles are so closely packed together, with very little space between them. Compression of a solid to any large extent is not possible because of this tight pack of particles.

Liquids

A fluid is any substance that flows, and liquids are examples of fluids. The particles in liquids are allowed to freely move and change their positions. At all times are the particles moving, moving from neighbor to neighbor. This is why we can 'pour' a liquid into another container. A liquids confinement are the borders of its container. This is why when we pour a liquid into another container, there is conformity to the shape of the container. Compression of a liquid to any large extent is not possible.

Gases

Gases is another example of a fluid, it flows! The particles of gases are however much different than that of solids and liquids. The particles in gases are not neatly arranged, and they don't even touch each other most of the time. There is lots of space in between particles, which is why when put in a container, it is filled with the gas. And when released from a container, the gas is dispersed. The particles in gases are always moving, just like the particles in a liquid.

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