61
Equation Balancing Experiment 8
1.0 Introduction
Balancing chemical reaction equations is an important skill that depends on the
knowledge of chemical formulas. If formulas in the equation are wrong the final balance will
also be wrong. This lab is a chance to practice the important chemical skill of equation
balancing.
Sometimes chemical reactions are classified by the following reaction categories:
1) combination or synthesis reactions where all the reactants combine
2) decomposition reactions where a larger molecule breaks into smaller ones
3) single replacement reactions where one element replaces another (also redox)
4) double replacement reactions where there are two exchanges (metathesis) Double
replacements include: neutralization, precipitation and gas forming reactions.
5) combustion or oxidation reactions where one compound combines with oxygen
For each of the following reactions balance the equation and state the category of the
reaction as: combination, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement or
combustion.
2.0 Equations
A) Zn + H2SO4 Category:
B) Ca(OH)2 + H3PO4 Category:
C) CH3OH + O2 Category:
D) HC2H3O2(aq) + Na2CO3(aq) Category:
E) Pb(NO3)2(aq) + HCl(aq) Category:
F) BaCl2(aq) + Na2SO4 Category:
College of San Mateo Chemistry Dept
62
Equation Balancing Experiment 8
G) NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) Category:
H) Phosphorus trioxide decomposes into its elements. Category:
I) Nitrogen gas reacts with fluorine gas to produce nitrogen trifluoride.
Category:
J) Zinc reacts with a solution of copper(II) chloride. Category:
K) Hydrochloric acid reacts with aluminum metal Category:
L) Calcium chloride reacts with sodium phosphate to make a white precipitate.
Category:
College of San Mateo Chemistry Dept