Writing Reactions: Acid/Base Balanced Reactions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on writing balanced acid/base reactions, specifically using the examples of HF and H2O, as well as NH3 and H2O. The participants conclude that HF acts as the acid yielding H3O+ and F-, while H2O serves as the acid yielding NH4+ and OH- when reacting with NH3. Understanding the strength of acids and bases, as well as the ionic charges, is essential for predicting the products of these reactions. The state of matter (aqueous, liquid) does influence the reaction but is secondary to the identification of acids and bases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base theory, including Brønsted-Lowry definitions.
  • Familiarity with ionic charges and their role in balancing chemical reactions.
  • Knowledge of strong and weak acids and bases.
  • Basic grasp of chemical states (aqueous, liquid) and their significance in reactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory in detail.
  • Learn how to balance chemical equations involving acids and bases.
  • Research the properties of strong vs. weak acids and bases.
  • Explore examples of acid-base reactions in different states of matter.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of acid-base reactions and their balancing in chemical equations.

d.tran103
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Okay, I'm reviewing how to write reactions to determine which reactant should behave as the acid and which should behave as the base. I haven't seen this material in over a year and am actually trying to help someone out with a class. I know the ionic charge should balance on both sides.

1) HF(aq) + H2O(l) <---> H3O+(aq) + F-(aq)
I know that the acid is HF and its conjugate base is F-, while H2O is the base and H3O is its conjugate acid. My problem here is knowing how to write the balanced reaction. How am I supposed to know that it yields H3O+(aq) + F-(aq)? For example, I could see it going to OH- + H2F+ as well. Does the state (gas,solid,liquid, etc.) have any importance?

2) NH3(aq) +H2O(l)<--->NH4+(aq)+OH-(aq)
H2O is the acid and OH- is its conjugate base. NH3 is the base and NH4+ is its conjugate acid. I'm having the same problem here. How do I know what NH3 and H2O is supposed to yield?

Thanks!
 
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Do I have to figure out which reactant will behave as the base or acid first? And would this be based off of strong/weak acids/bases?
 
You need to study structure and properties of various elements and compounds. Once you know how a particular element/compound behaves you can predict reactions
 
d.tran103 said:
Do I have to figure out which reactant will behave as the base or acid first? And would this be based off of strong/weak acids/bases?

Yes & yes.
 
Okay thanks!
 

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