Are My Chemical Reaction Equations Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correctness of chemical reaction equations provided by a participant as part of a homework assignment. The focus is on the formulation of these equations, including the representation of reactants and products, as well as the inclusion of physical state symbols.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The participant presents several chemical reaction equations and seeks verification of their correctness.
  • One participant suggests that the original equations are generally correct but recommends adding physical state symbols (s, aq, g) to the reagents.
  • The participant expresses uncertainty about the representation of the hydrogen ion in the second equation, questioning whether it should be written as H2^+ instead of H+.
  • Another participant clarifies that the correct representation is H+ or H3O+, referencing hydronium.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the representation of the hydrogen ion in the second equation, as one participant questions the notation while another provides clarification. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the participant's original equations and the necessity of physical state symbols.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations in the chemical equations, such as missing assumptions or dependencies on specific definitions of ions.

MacLaddy
Gold Member
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Homework Statement



I have a couple of problems here that are all part of one homework problem. A,B,C, and D. I have completed what I believe are the correct answers, but I really don't know for sure. This is an online chemistry class, and it really is not very good. I've watched about 3 hours of Khan Academy videos, and 1+ hours of Brightstorm, plus all my required reading- and I just seem to be missing something.

Anyway, if someone could just look these over I would appreciate it.


Give the chemical formula equation for the following reactions.

(A.) Potassium metal reacting with water to produce potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

(B.) The bicarbonate, HCO_3 ion reacting with the H^+ ion to produce water and carbon dioxide.

(C.) Copper metal reacting with silver nitrate solution to make silver metal and copper(II) nitrate.

(D.) Iron metal reacting with oxygen gas to make iron(III) oxide.


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



(A.)
K + H_2O \rightarrow KOH + H^2

=2K + 2H_2O \rightarrow 2KOH + H_2

(B.)
=HCO_3^- + H^+ \rightarrow H_2O + CO_2

(C.)
Cu + AgNO_3 \rightarrow Ag + Cu(NO_3)_2 Substitute X=NO_3
Cu + AgX \rightarrow Ag + CuX_2
Cu + 2AgX \rightarrow 2Ag + CuX_2

=Cu + 2AgNO_3 \rightarrow 2Ag + Cu(NO_3)_2

(D.)
Fe + O_2 \rightarrow Fe_2O_3
2Fe + 1.5O_2 \rightarrow Fe_2O_3
2(2Fe + 1.5O_2 \rightarrow Fe_2O_3

=4Fe + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2Fe_2O_3

Any advice, or even a swift boot in the right direction, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mac
 
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In general you got it right. The only thing I would modify would be to add (s), (aq) and (g) to reagents to show their state, so for example your second reaction would look like

Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) -> 2Ag(s) + Cu(NO3)2(aq)
 
Ah, thanks Borek. I forgot about adding the physical state symbols. My teacher does require that.

Just curious, looking at these after a nights sleep, does the second equation HCO_3^- + H^+ \rightarrow H_2O + CO_2, need to instead be this HCO_3^- + H_2^+ \rightarrow H_2O + CO_2?

It seems to me that Hydrogen can not stand alone. (even though that's how it's worded in the book)

Thanks again.
 

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