How Do I Write These Chemical Reactions in Words and Symbols?

In summary, the three compounds are calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and nitric acid. The charges on the ions are calcium's 2 (+) and magnesium's 2 (+), and nitric acid has a hydrogen ion and a nitrate ion.
  • #1
Muzzae
8
0
I'm assuming this is the correct forum, please tell me if it isn't so I'll know if future.

I'm new to the whole formulae thing, and need some help with some (presumably) easy formulae. How would I write the following in both words and symbols? I've done as much work as I know how to do, so sorry if I come across as being naive.

-Sodium Hydroxide + Sulfuric Acid =...

-Calcium Hydroxide + Hydrochloric Acid=...(Calcium Chloride + Water)

-Magnesium Hydroxide + Nitric Acid=...(Magnesium Nitrate + Water)

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
Well since this is a homework problem, you should actually have posted here. https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=157

All of those reactions are that between a base and an acid. Hydroxides (OH-) are common bases. Ammonia (NH3) is a common weak base.

the hydroxide ion is OH-
the sodium ion is Na+

NaOH sodium hydroxide
sulfuric acid is H2SO4

2NaOH + H2SO4 --> Na2SO4 + 2H2O

Your book should tell you how to write the forumla for all of these compounds. As for the reactions look up acid-base neutralization; you always get a salt and water. But you really need to show more effort before I can help you out more :-/
 
  • #3
(Oh, sorry about the misplacement of the thread =/)

My book hardly tells me anything and I have an awful teacher; all I need are these three answers to work off; sorry if I sound kind of demanding, but I honestly don't want mean to sound like I am.
 
  • #4
Can you come up with the formula for calcium and magnesium hydroxide? What are the charges on the calcium and magnesium ions? (and your edit for the products are correct)
 
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  • #5
Cesium said:
Can you come up with the formula for calcium and magnesium hydroxide? What are the charges on the calcium and magnesium ions? (and your edit for the products are correct)
Formula for calcium hydroxide=CaOH; magnesium hydroxide=MgOH. Regarding the charges on the ions, I haven't learned that too well as of yet, however I have learned valencies. Calcium's valency is 2(+); magnesium's valency is 2(+).

Furthermore, hydrochloric acid=HCl; nitric acid=HNO3.
 
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  • #6
Furthermore, hydrochloric acid=HCl; nitric acid=HNO3.

Good. Hydrochloric acid has a H+ and a Cl- ion. That is, a hydrogen ion and a chloride ion.
Nitric acid has a hydrogen ion and a nitrate ion (NO3-). When the acid ends in -ic, use an -ate ion.

Formula for calcium hydroxide=CaOH; magnesium hydroxide=MgOH. Regarding the charges on the ions, I haven't learned that too well as of yet, however I have learned valencies. Calcium's valency is 2(+); magnesium's valency is 2(+).

Wrong! Hydroxide has a negative one (-1) charge. Ca as you said has a +2 charge. So you must have two hydroxide ions per Ca+2. Same goes for magnesium! Make sure you group polyatomic (more than one atom) ions (hydroxide and nitrate are for example polyatomic ions) using paranthesis.

http://www.ausetute.com.au/namiform.html
http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa031103a.htm
 
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  • #7
Cesium said:
Good. Hydrochloric acid has a H+ and a Cl- ion. That is, a hydrogen ion and a chloride ion.
Nitric acid has a hydrogen ion and a nitrate ion (NO3-). When the acid ends in -ic, use an -ate ion.
Wrong! Hydroxide has a negative one (-1) charge. Ca as you said has a +2 charge. So you must have two hydroxide ions per Ca+2. Same goes for magnesium! Make sure you group polyatomic (more than one atom) ions (hydroxide and nitrate are for example polyatomic ions) using paranthesis.

http://www.ausetute.com.au/namiform.html
http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa031103a.htm
Damn, in my classes we've just been using valencies..=/ (P.S. thanks for the links)

Edit: Uh, have I shown sufficient effort?
 
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  • #8
*bump* Please, this is the only question I'll ever need to ask here and I need the answer ASAP - I've done all I can with them, please, someone show me the answers!
 
  • #9
Sorry Muzzae, we CAN NOT do that.

You must first understand the basics of valency and compound formation from different chemical species.

http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/serve.cgi/squizzes/chem/compds3.html
http://www.bookrags.com/sciences/chemistry/formula-chemical-woc.html
http://www.southwest.com.au/~jfuller/chemistry/chem5.htm

You have to learn the basics correctly. You can't expect to skip past them and get answers to higher level questions.

http://misterguch.brinkster.net/6typesofchemicalrxn.htmlThere are no short cuts here.
 
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  • #10
Oh well, thanks anyway. I didn't know it was a "higher level" question, seeing as my teacher gave it as homework (I'm in grade 9, by the way). Again, thanks anyway. I think this thread has served it's purpose since I got the answers.
 

What are basic formulae?

Basic formulae are mathematical expressions or equations that show the relationship between different variables. They are used to solve problems and make predictions in various fields of science, such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.

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It is important to know how to write formulae because they are the language of science. They allow us to describe and understand complex concepts and phenomena in a concise and precise manner. They also help us to make accurate calculations and predictions.

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A basic formula typically consists of variables, constants, and mathematical operators. Variables are symbols that represent quantities that can vary, while constants are fixed values. Mathematical operators, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, are used to express the relationship between the variables and constants.

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