Left, Right or Double headed arrow?

[Meganrose]

Homework Statement

How do you know when to use Left, Right or Double headed arrows for Acid-Base equilibrium?

Homework Equations

How can you determine from a reaction if it "goes to completion" (right) or doesn't react at all (left) or is at equilibrium just by looking at it?

The Attempt at a Solution

This is just a general question. =)

Thanks!
-Megan Rose

 

[Borek]

You have to know which acids and bases are strong and which are weak. Most reactions involving strong acids/bases go to completion so you can use one headed arrows pointing in the direction where water is one of the products.

But:

1. to some extent you can always use double headed arrow, as almost every possible reaction goes in both directions.

2. there will be always a grey area where every second chemist will have a different opinin on th earrow type that shoukd be used.

Bottom line is: don't put too much attention to the arrow shape