Chemical Reactions

and Equations 10
LABORATORY GOALS
• Observe physical and chemical properties associated with chemical changes.
• Give evidence for the occurrence of a chemical reaction.
• Write a balanced equation for a chemical reaction.
• Identify a reaction as a combination, decomposition, replacement, or combustion reaction.

LAB INFORMATION
Time: 2–2½ h
Comments: Read all the directions and safety instructions carefully.
Match the labels on bottles and containers with the names of the substances.
Label your containers with the formulas of the chemicals you place in them.
A Bunsen burner is a potential hazard. Keep your work area clear of books, papers,
backpacks, and other flammable items. Be sure that long hair is tied back.
Tear out the report sheets and place them beside the matching procedures.
Related Topics: Chemical change, chemical equation, balancing chemical equations

CHEMICAL CONCEPTS
When a substance undergoes a physical change, it changes its appearance but not its composition. For
example, when silver (Ag) melts and forms liquid silver (Ag), it undergoes a physical change from solid
to liquid. In a chemical change, a substance is converted to one or more new substances with different
properties. For example, when silver (Ag), which is a shiny substance, becomes tarnished it forms a
dull-gray silver sulfide (Ag 2S), a new substance with different properties. Evidence of this and other
chemical reactions is observed by the formation of bubbles, a solid, a change in color or a change in heat
energy. Silver experienced the formation of a solid, the silver sulfide (Ag 2S). (see Table 10.1).

A chemical change produces new substances.

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110 Laboratory Manual for General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

TABLE 10.1 Evidence of Chemical Change

Formation of a gas (bubbles)
Formation of a solid (precipitates)
Change in color
Heat produced or absorbed

Chemical Equations
In a chemical reaction, atoms in the reactants are rearranged to produce new combinations of atoms in
the products. In an equation for a chemical reaction, the reactants are written on the left and the products
on the right. An arrow between them indicates that a chemical reaction takes place.

Reactants ⎯⎯
→ Products

For example, we write the equation for the reaction of carbon and oxygen, which forms carbon dioxide, as
Δ
C( s ) + O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ CO 2 (g )

The formula of each substance is followed by its physical state (s, l, g) in parentheses. If heat is required
for the reaction, a triangle, which is a symbol for heat, is written over the arrow (see Table 10.2).

TABLE 10.2 Some Symbols Used in Writing Equations

Symbol Meaning
+ Separates two or more formulas

⎯⎯
→ Reacts to form products
Δ
⎯⎯
→ Reactants are heated
(s) Solid
(l ) Liquid
(g) Gas or vapor
(aq ) Aqueous

Balancing Chemical Equations

In a balanced equation, the total number of atoms of each element in the reactants is equal to the total
number of atoms in the products. This balance is achieved by writing a coefficient in front of a formula
containing that particular element. For example, we balance the equation for the reaction of hydrogen
and oxygen as follows:

H 2 ( g ) + O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ H 2 O(g ) Unbalanced equation
H 2 ( g ) + O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ 2H 2 O(g ) A coefficient of 2 in front of H 2 O balances the O atoms.
2H 2 ( g ) + O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ 2H 2 O(g ) A coefficient of 2 in front of H 2 balances the H atoms.
 Chemical Reactions and Equations 111

If we count the number of atoms of H and O in the reactants, we find they are equal to the number of H
and O atoms in the products. We say the equation is balanced.

Types of Reactions
There are many different chemical reactions, but most can be classified into the types of reactions shown
in Table 10.3.

TABLE 10.3 Common Types of Chemical Reactions

Type of Reaction Description Example Equation
Δ
Combination Elements or simple compounds form Cu(s ) + S(s ) ⎯⎯
→ CuS(s )
a more complex product.
Δ
Decomposition A reacting substance is split into CaCO3 (s ) ⎯⎯
→ CaO(s ) + CO 2 (g )
simpler substances.
Single replacement One element takes the place of Mg(s ) + 2HCl(aq ) ⎯⎯
→ MgCl2 (aq ) + H 2 (g )
another element in a compound.
Double replacement Elements in two compounds switch AgNO3 (aq ) + NaCl(aq ) ⎯⎯
→
places. AgCl( s) + NaNO3 (aq )
Δ
Combustion Hydrocarbon fuel and oxygen form CH 4 (g ) + 2O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ CO 2 (g ) + 2H 2 O(g )
carbon dioxide and water.
112 Laboratory Manual for General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES GOGGLES REQUIRED!

A. Magnesium and Oxygen

Materials: Magnesium ribbon (2–3 cm long), tongs, Bunsen burner
1. Obtain a small strip (2–3 cm) of magnesium ribbon. Record its initial appearance.
2. Using a pair of tongs to hold the end of the magnesium ribbon, ignite it by carefully placing it into
the tip of the inner blue cone of the flame from the Bunsen burner. As soon as the magnesium
ribbon ignites, remove it from the flame. Shield your eyes as the ribbon burns and do not look
directly at the flame. Record your observations of chemical changes for the reaction.
3. Balance the equation given for the reaction. Use 1 as a coefficient when one unit of that substance
is required.
4. Identify the type of reaction.

For experiments B–F, use small quantities. For solids, use the amount of compound that fits on the tip of
a spatula or a small scoop. Place 3 mL of water in a test tube. Use this same volume as a reference
volume when you need 3 mL of a solution.
Do not dip droppers or stirring rods into reagent bottles. They may contaminate a reagent for the
entire class. Discard unused chemicals as indicated by your instructor.

B. Zinc and Copper(II) Sulfate

Materials: Two test tubes, test tube rack, 1 M CuSO 4 (aq ), Zn(s), small graduated cylinder

1. Pour 3 mL of 1 M CuSO 4 (aq) into a test tube by matching the reference volume. Obtain a small
piece of zinc(s) metal. Describe the initial appearance of the CuSO 4 (aq ) solution and the zinc(s)
metal.
2. Add the Zn metal to the test tube containing the CuSO 4 (aq ) solution. Place the test tube in your
test tube rack. After 30 min has elapsed, observe any color change of the CuSO 4 solution and the
piece of Zn metal.
3. Balance the equation given for the reaction.
4. Identify the type of chemical reaction that has occurred.
Pour the CuSO 4 (aq ) solutions into a waste container or dispose of as directed by your instructor. Rinse
the piece of zinc with water and place it in a recycling container or as directed by your instructor.

C. Reactions of Metals and HCl

Materials: Three test tubes, test tube rack, small pieces of Zn(s), Cu(s), and Mg(s) metal, 1 M HCl
Caution: HCl is a corrosive acid. Handle carefully!
1. Obtain a small piece each of zinc, copper, and magnesium. Describe the appearance of each.
2. Place 3 mL of 1 M HCl (match your reference volume) in each of three test tubes. Carefully add a
metal piece to the HCl solution in each of the three test tubes. Observe the reaction and record any
evidence of chemical change. Carefully feel the test tubes to detect any change in the heat energy.
3. Balance the equation for each metal that gave a chemical reaction. If there was no reaction, cross
out the products and write NR.
4. Identify the type of reaction for each chemical reaction that occurred.
Carefully pour off the acid and follow with large quantities of water to dilute. Dispose of as directed by
your instructor. Rinse the metal pieces with water and place them in a recycling container or as directed
by your instructor.
 Chemical Reactions and Equations 113

D. Reactions of Ionic Compounds

Materials: Four test tubes, test tube rack, 0.1 M solutions: CaCl2 (aq), Na 3 PO 4 (aq ), FeCl3 (aq),
KSCN(aq)
D1 Reaction of CaCl 2 and Na 3 PO4

1. Place 3 mL each of 0.1 M CaCl2 (aq) and 0.1 M Na 3 PO 4 (aq) into separate test tubes. Record the
appearance of each solution.
2. Pour the contents of one test tube into the other and describe any evidence of a chemical reaction.
3. Balance the equation.
4. Identify the type of chemical reaction.
Dispose of the solutions and solids as directed by your instructor.
D2 Reaction of FeCl 3 and KSCN

1. Place 3 mL each of 0.1 M FeCl3 (aq) and 0.1 M KSCN(aq) into separate test tubes. Record the
appearance of each solution.
2. Pour the contents of one test tube into the other and describe any evidence of a chemical reaction.
3. Balance the chemical equation.
4. Identify the type of chemical reaction.
Dispose of the solution as directed by your instructor.

E. Sodium Carbonate and HCl

Materials: Test tubes, test tube rack, 1 M HCl(aq), Na 2 CO3 ( s ), matches or wood splints

1. Place 3 mL of 1 M HCl(aq) in a test tube. Record its appearance. Obtain a small amount of
Na 2 CO3 ( s) (about the size of a pea). Record its appearance.
2. Carefully add the Na 2 CO3 ( s) to the test tube containing 1 M HCl(aq). Record any evidence of a
chemical reaction.
3. Light a match or wood splint and insert it inside the neck of the test tube. Record whether the
flame goes out or stays lighted.
4. Balance the chemical equation.
5. Identify the type of chemical reaction.
Dispose of the solutions and solids as directed by your instructor.

F. Hydrogen Peroxide
Materials: Test tubes, test tube rack, 3% H 2 O 2 , 0.1 M KI(aq)

1. Place 3 mL of 3% H 2 O 2 (aq ) in a test tube. Record its appearance.

2. Place 3 mL of 0.1 M KI in a second test tube. Pour the KI solution (catalyst) into the first test tube.
Record any evidence of a chemical reaction.
3. Balance the chemical equation. Note that KI is included in the equation above the reaction arrow
because a catalyst only speeds up a reaction, it does not change the quantities of reactants.
4. Identify the type of chemical reaction.
Dispose of the solutions as directed by your instructor.
Date Name

Section Team

Instructor

Pre-Lab Study Questions 10

1. Why are burning candles and rusting nails examples of chemical change?

2. What is included in a chemical equation?

3. How does a combination reaction differ from a decomposition reaction?

4. Balance each of the following reactions, and identify the type of reaction:

Unbalanced Equation Type of Reaction

Δ
a. Al(s ) + Fe 2 O3 (s ) ⎯⎯ → Al2 O3 + Fe(l )
Δ
b. KClO3 (s ) ⎯⎯ → KCl(s ) + O 2 (g )
Δ
c. Li(s ) + Cl2 (g ) ⎯⎯ → LiCl(s )
Δ
d. C2 H 4 (g ) + O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯ → CO 2 (g ) + H 2 O(g )

e. CrCl3 (aq ) + H 2S(g ) ⎯⎯

→ Cr2S3 (s ) + HCl(aq )

5. Complete and balance each of the following reactions:

Reactants Type of Reaction

a. K(s ) + N 2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ Combination
Δ
b. C5 H12 (g ) + O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ Combustion
c. Al(s ) + CuSO 4 (aq ) ⎯⎯
→ Single Replacement
d. CoCl3 (aq ) + AgNO3 (aq ) ⎯⎯
→ Double Replacement
Δ
e. MgCO3 (s ) ⎯⎯
→ Decomposition

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Date Name

Section Team

Instructor

REPORT SHEET LAB

Chemical Reactions and Equations 10

A. Magnesium and Oxygen

1. Initial appearance of Mg _________________________________________

2. Evidence of chemical reaction _________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

3. Balance: _____ Mg(s) + _____ O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯

→ ____ MgO(s)

4. Type of chemical reaction: __________________________________________

B. Zinc and Copper(II) Sulfate

Time CuSO4 (aq ) Zn(s) Appearance Evidence of a

Appearance Chemical Reaction

1. initial
2. after
30 min

3. ___ Zn(s ) + ___ CuSO 4 (aq ) ⎯⎯

→ ___ Cu(s ) + ___ ZnSO4 (aq )

4. Type of chemical reaction: _______________________________________

C. Reactions of Metals and HCl

Metal 1. Appearance of Metals 2. Evidence of a Chemical

Reaction
Zn(s)
Cu(s)
Mg(s)

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3. ____ Zn(s ) + ____ HCl(aq) ⎯⎯

→ ____ ZnCl2 (aq ) + ____ H 2 (g )

____ Cu(s) + ____ HCl(aq) ⎯⎯

→ ____ CuCl2 (aq ) + ____ H 2 (g )

____ Mg(s) + ____ HCl(aq ) ⎯⎯

→ ____ MgCl2 (aq ) + ____ H 2 (g )

4. Type of chemical reaction:

Zn __________________________________________________

Cu __________________________________________________

Mg __________________________________________________

D. Reactions of Ionic Compounds

D1 Reaction of CaCl 2 and Na 3 PO4

Reactants 1. Appearance of 2. Evidence of a Chemical

Solutions Reaction
CaCl2 (aq )
Na 3PO 4 (aq)

3. ____ CaCl2 (aq) + ____ Na 3PO 4 (aq ) ⎯⎯

→ ____ Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (s ) + ____ NaCl(aq)

4. Type of reaction: __________________________________________________

D2 Reaction of FeCl 3 and KSCN

Reactants 1. Appearance of 2. Evidence of a Chemical

Solutions Reaction
FeCl3 (aq)
KSCN(aq)

3. ____ FeCl3 (aq ) + ____ KSCN(aq) ⎯⎯

→ ____ Fe(SCN)3 (aq) + ____ KCl(aq)

4. Type of reaction: _____________________________________________________

E. Sodium Carbonate and HCl

Reactants 1. Appearance of 2. Evidence of a Chemical
Reactants Reaction
HCl(aq )
Na 2CO3 ( s )
 Chemical Reactions and Equations 119

3. Observation of burning match or splint ____________________________________

What caused the change in the burning match or splint?

4. ____ Na 2CO3 ( s ) + ____ HCl(aq) ____ ⎯⎯

→ CO2 (g ) + ____ H 2O(l ) + ____ NaCl(aq)

5. Type of reaction: _____________________________________________________

F. Hydrogen Peroxide

Reactants 1. Appearance of 2. Evidence of a Chemical

Reactants Reaction
H 2O 2 (aq)

KI
3. ____ H 2O 2 (aq) ⎯⎯→ ____ H 2O(l ) + ____ O 2 (g )

4. Type of chemical reaction: ______________________________________________

Questions and Problems

Q1 What evidence of a chemical reaction might you see in the following cases? Refer
to Table 10.1.

a. dropping an Alka-Seltzer tablet into a glass of water

________________________________________________________________

b. bleaching a stain

________________________________________________________________

c. burning a match

________________________________________________________________

d. rusting of an iron nail

________________________________________________________________

Q2 Balance the following equations:

a. _____ Mg(s ) + _____ HCl(aq ) → _____ H 2 (g ) + _____ MgCl2 (aq)

⎯⎯

b. _____ Al(s ) + _____ O 2 (g ) → _____ Al2O3 (s )

⎯⎯
120 Laboratory Manual for General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

c. _____ Fe2O3 (s ) + _____ H 2 O(l ) → _____ Fe(OH)3 (s )

⎯⎯

d. _____ Ca(OH)2 (aq) + _____ HNO3 (aq) ⎯⎯

→ _____ Ca(NO3 )2 (aq ) + _____ H 2 O(l )

Q3 Write a balanced equation for each of the following reactions. Write the correct
formulas of the reactants and products and the states of each.
a. Liquid pentane (C5 H12 ) and oxygen (O 2 ) gas react to form carbon dioxide
and water.

b. Sodium and water react to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas (H 2 ).

c. Iron and oxygen (O2 ) gas react to form iron(III) oxide.

Q4 Classify each reaction as combination, decomposition, single replacement, double

replacement, or combustion.
a. Ni(s ) + F2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ NiF2 (s ) __________________

b. Fe2 O3 (s ) + 3C(s ) ⎯⎯
→ 2Fe(s ) + 3CO(g ) __________________

c. CaCO3 (s ) ⎯⎯
→ CaO(s ) + CO 2 (g ) __________________

→ K 2SO 4 (aq) + 2H 2O(l ) __________________

d. H 2SO 4 (aq ) + 2KOH(aq) ⎯⎯

e. C2 H 4 (g ) + 3O 2 (g ) ⎯⎯
→ 2CO 2 (g ) + 2H 2O(g ) __________________

Q5 Complete and balance each of the following chemical reactions by writing the
correct formulas of the product(s) that form:
Type of Reaction
a. Zn(s ) + CuBr2 (aq ) → __________ + __________ single displacement
⎯⎯

b. H 2 (g ) + Cl2 (g ) → ______________
⎯⎯ combination

c. MgCO3 (s ) → __________ + __________ decomposition

⎯⎯

→ _________ + _________ double displacement

d. KCl(aq) + AgNO3 (aq) ⎯⎯