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Writing of Formulae and Balancing Equations

The document discusses the criss-cross method for writing chemical formulas. It involves writing the symbols of the elements next to each other, then writing their valences below. The valences are then crossed/swapped and the formula is written. Examples are given such as potassium oxide with the symbols K and O written next to each other, their valences of 1 and 2 below, swapped to give K2O. Balancing chemical equations ensures the same number of atoms on both sides by using coefficients.

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57 views8 pages

Writing of Formulae and Balancing Equations

The document discusses the criss-cross method for writing chemical formulas. It involves writing the symbols of the elements next to each other, then writing their valences below. The valences are then crossed/swapped and the formula is written. Examples are given such as potassium oxide with the symbols K and O written next to each other, their valences of 1 and 2 below, swapped to give K2O. Balancing chemical equations ensures the same number of atoms on both sides by using coefficients.

Uploaded by

Kanz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WRITING THE CHEMICAL

FORMULA
To write the chemical formula (of a compound) the following
information should be available:

1. Symbols of the elements or the radicals that constitute the


compound.

2. Valencies (combining capacity) of the elements or the


radicals.

The method applied for writing the chemical formula is called


criss-cross method.

CRISS-CROSS METHOD
When the valencies of the combining atoms are equal.

e.g. Ca2+ and O2-.

Calcium oxide.
When the valency of the cation is greater than the anion.

e.g. Mg2+ and Cl-

Magnesium Chloride.
When the cation has more than one atoms in it.

It is treated as one molecule and the factor is multiplied with the


whole molecule.
Chemical formulae and chemical reactions and balancing of chemical reactions:
Criss-cross method of writing formula
To write the chemical formula for a compound it is best to use the S.V.S.D.F system.
Step one: Write down the symbols of both the elements involved.
Step two: Beneath each symbol, write its valency. Memorise the table above to help you.
Step Three: Swap the valencies over.
Step Four: If the valencies can be simplified, divide them both by the smaller of the two
numbers. If one of the numbers is already one, then they cannot be divided and simplified any
further.
Step Five: Write the formula.
Example 1: What is the formula for potassium oxide?

Example 2: What is the formula for aluminium oxide?

Example 3: What is the formula for carbon sulphide?


Steps to be followed while writing formula by criss cross method.
Step 1: Write the symbol of elements or radicals side by side.
Step 2: Write the valency of each radical or element on its top right.
Step 3: Divide the valency number by the highest common factor if required
to get a simple ratio. Interchange the valency number of element or
radicals to its lower right side.
Step 4: Use bracket for polyatomic radicals if the number written on the lower right
side is more than one.
Eg: Write the formula of Sodium carbonate
Step 1: Sodium : Na Carbonate : CO3
Step 2: Na1 (CO3)2

Step 3: Na CO3
Step 4: (Na)2 (CO3 )1 = Na2CO3

Few examples:
Chemical equation
 A statement in terms of symbols, formulae and numbers that describes a chemical change
is called a chemical equation.
 The substances that start or take part in chemical reactions are called REACTANTS and
are always written on the LHS of the chemical equation.
 The new substances formed as a result of chemical reaction are called PRODUCTS and
they are written on RHS of chemical equation.

Balancing Chemical Equations


Atoms are neither created nor destroyed during any chemical reaction. Chemical changes merely
rearrange the atoms.
The statement above is supported by:
• Law of conservation of mass/matter
• Law of definite proportions
Chemical reactions are represented in a concise way by chemical equations.
2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O
• The reacting substances, called reactants, are located on the left side of the arrow.
• The substances formed, called products, are located on the right side of the arrow.

• In a chemical equation, the + sign is read as "reacts with" and the arrow is read as
"produces".
• Numbers in front of the formulas are coefficients, indicating the relative number of
molecules or ions of each kind involved in the reaction.
Coefficients of 1 are never written - they are understood.
• Numbers to the lower right of chemical symbols in a formula are subscripts, indicating
the specific number of atoms of the element found in the substance.
Subscripts of 1 are never written - they are understood.
A chemical equation must have the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the
arrow. When this condition is met, the equation is said to be balanced.
To count atoms, multiply the formula's coefficient by each symbol's subscript.
For example: 2Al2 (SO4)3
• For Al - coefficient of 2, times subscript of 2 = 4 aluminum atoms
• For S - coefficient of 2, times subscript inside parenthesis of 1, times subscript outside
parenthesis of 3 = 6 sulfur atoms
• For O - coefficient of 2, times subscript inside parenthesis of 4, times subscript outside
parenthesis of 3 = 24 oxygen atoms
Balanced chemical equation
A chemical equation in which the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side is
equal to the number of atoms of each element on the product side is called BALANCED
CHEMICAL EQUATION.
STEPS FOR BALANCING AN EQUATION
1. Write the chemical equation with reactants on the LHS and products on the RHS.
2. Check the number of atoms of each kind and write below reactants and products.
3. If the number of atoms of a certain kind is not equal on both the sides, multiply with a
suitable number to equalize and balance the equation.

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