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TOPIC FOUR

CHEMICAL FORMULA AND EQUATIONS

CONTENTS:

4.1. Symbols of elements

4.2. Formula of Compounds
4.3. Chemical equations

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4.1. SYMBOLS OF ELEMENTS

Atoms

➢ There are more than 100 different elements, which exist in this world.
➢ All these elements are made up of tiny particles called atoms. For example, copper is made up of copper
atoms, oxygen made up of oxygen atoms, so on and so forth.
➢ An atom is a smallest particle of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction.
➢ Atoms contain protons, neutrons and electrons. See atomic structure for details on chapter 3.

Molecules

➢ A molecule is a substance, which is made up of two or more elements, which are held together by
covalent bonds.
➢ A molecule is a covalent compound or a particle of an element, which is capable of existing independently.
Molecules are electrically neutral.
➢ Oxygen O2, chlorine Cl2, water H2O, carbon dioxide CO2, Ammonia NH3, and methane CH4 all exist as
molecules.
➢ Molecules mostly exist in gaseous and liquid forms.

Types of Molecules

➢ There are three types of molecules namely monoatomic, diatomic and polyatomic.
➢ The atomicity of an element is the number of atoms that make up its molecule.
➢ A Monoatomic molecule is a type of molecule in which a single atom of an element forms a molecule.
➢ Group VIII elements (inert gases) like neon (Ne), argon (Ar) and Krypton (Kr) form monoatomic molecules.
This simply means that a single atom of neon is a molecule on its own and can exist independently.
➢ A diatomic molecule is a type of molecule in which two atoms of the same element combine together to
form a molecule. (‘di’ means two while ‘mono’ means one).
➢ Most group VI and group VII elements are diatomic (form diatomic molecules). Examples of diatomic
molecules include oxygen O2, hydrogen H2, Chlorine Cl2, Fluorine F2, bromine Br2 and iodine I2.
➢ Note that when we refer to diatomic elements like oxygen, we always use this symbol, O2, because oxygen
is diatomic and therefore two atoms of oxygen make up its molecule.
➢ A polyatomic molecule is a type of molecule in which two or more different atoms of elements are
combined to form a molecule.
➢ For example water H2O, carbon dioxide CO2, Ammonia NH3, and methane CH4 all exist as polyatomic
molecules. Carbon dioxide is made up of two different elements: oxygen and carbon, while water is also
made up of two different elements: hydrogen and oxygen.

Interpretation of Molecules

➢ Examples of interpretation of molecules:

➢ Chlorine is diatomic element therefore;
o Cl: This means one atom of chlorine.
o 2Cl: Two separate atoms of chlorine.
o Cl2: This means one molecule of chlorine containing 2 atoms.
o 4Cl2: This means four molecules of chlorine containing 8 atoms.

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➢ For neon in group VIII, the case is different because it is monatomic;

o Ne: This means one molecule of neon. One molecule of neon has one atom.
o 2Ne: This means two molecules of neon containing two atoms.
o 10Ne: This means ten molecules on neon containing ten atoms.
➢ We can also analyse molecules of compounds
o SO2: This shows one molecule of sulphur dioxide in which one atom of sulphur is combined with two
oxygen atoms
o 2H2O: This shows two molecules of water in which one atom of oxygen is combined with two
hydrogen atoms.
o 3MgSO4: This shows three molecules of magnesium sulphate in which one atom of magnesium is
combined with one atom of sulphur and four atoms of oxygen.

Symbols of elements

➢ Each element is given a specific symbol derived from its name.

➢ The periodic table is a famous table in chemistry which gives a list of names and symbols of all known
elements.
➢ The symbols of elements are either taken from English or Latin names. Some elements are named after
the people who discovered them.

➢ Below are examples of elements with symbols derived from their Latin names:

Latin Name Element Symbol

Natrium Sodium Na
Ferrum Iron Fe
Plumbum Lead Pb
Hydrargyrum Mercury Hg
Cuprum Copper Cu
Kalium Potassium K
Stunnum Tin Sn
Wolfram Tungsten W
Argentum Silver Ag

➢ Below are examples of elements with symbols derived from the first letter of the English name.

Name of Element Symbol (First Letter)

Carbon C
Nitrogen N
Fluorine F
Vanadium V
Oxygen O
Boron B
Hydrogen H
Iodine I
Phosphorous P
Sulphur S

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➢ Below are examples of elements with symbols derived from the first letter of the English name followed
by a small letter from the same name of the element.

Name of Element Symbol (First Letter)

Barium Ba
Lithium Li
Neon Ne
Bromine Br
Chlorine Cl
Magnesium Mg
Aluminium Al
Calcium Ca
Silicon Si
Argon Ar

QUICK CHECK 4.1

1. Define an atom.
2. Which particles make up an atom?
3. What is a molecule?
4. Why do you think carbon dioxide is called a molecule?
5. What are monatomic molecules? Give 5 examples of monatomic molecules.
6. What are diatomic molecules? Give 3 examples of diatomic molecules.
7. Define the word atomicity.
8. Suggest why molecules are capable of existing independently.
9. Give 3 examples of:
(a) Elements whose symbols are derived from the English name and involve two letters.
(b) Elements whose symbols are derived from the first letter of the English name written in capital form.
(c) Elements whose symbols are derived from their Latin names.

4.2 CHEMICAL FORMULA

A chemical formula shows the number of atoms in one molecule of an element or compound and their
proportions.

Valency

➢ A valency is a combining power of an element.

➢ The valency of an element can also be defined as the number of electrons which an atom can lose, gain or
share, to form a compound.

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➢ You can use the periodic table to get the valency of elements as shown in the table below.

How elements form bonds and compounds Valence of the element

Group 1 elements lose 1 electron 1
Group 2 elements lose 2 electrons 2
Group 3 elements lose 3 electrons 3
Group 4 elements share 4 electrons 4
Group 5 elements gain or share 3 electrons 3
Group 6 elements gain or share 2 electrons 2
Group 7 elements gain or share 1 electron 1
Group 0 elements do not gain, lose or share electrons 0
Hydrogen loses or shares 1 electron 1
Transitional metals can lose varrying numbers of electrons. variable

➢ The tables below shows some elements and their

valence:
Element Symbol Valence
Elements Symbols Valence Oxygen O
Hydrogen H Magnesium Mg
Chlorine Cl Calcium Ca
Zinc Zn
Sodium
Potassium
Na
K 1 Barium Ba 2
Silver Au Copper (II) Cu
Iodine I Iron (II) Fe
Bromine Br Sulphur S
Copper (I) Cu Lead (II) Pb

Element Symbol Valence

Aluminium Al
Iron (III) Fe
Nitrogen N 3
Phosphorous P
Lead (IV) Pb 4
Phosphorous (V) P 5

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Radicals (Polyatomic Ions)

➢ Radicals are groups of atoms which are found in many compounds but cannot exist independently.
➢ The table below shows the common ions (radicals), their charges and valences.

RADICAL (IONS) FORMULA CHARGE VALENCY

Hydroxide ion − -1
OH
Nitrate − -1
NO 3
Nitrite NO −2 -1
Chlorate − -1
ClO 3
Chlorite ClO −2 -1
Hydrogen Carbonate HCO 3
− -1
1
Hydrogen Sulphate HSO −4 -1
Ammonium ion NH +4 +1
-
Cyanide CN -1
Dihydrogen Phosphate H2PO −4 -1
Permanganate MnO4- -1
Carbonate 2− -2
CO 3
Oxide 2− -2
O
Peroxide O22- -2
Sulphate SO 24 − -2
Sulphide S2- -2
Sulphite
Dichromate
2−
SO 3
Cr2O72-
-2
-2
2
Chromate CrO42- -2
Thiosulfate S2O32- -2
Hydrogen Phosphate HPO 24 − -2
Phosphate PO 34− -3
3

Chemical Formulae

Steps in Writing Chemical Formulae

➢ Identify the symbols of the elements involved.

➢ Identify the formulae of radicals if any.
➢ Indicate the valence of the element at the top right corner
➢ Swap the valences.

Example:1. Write down the chemical formula of

(a) Magnesium Chloride
(b) Aluminium Oxide

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Solutions: 1. (a) Magnesium Chloride

The symbol for Magnesium is Mg and for Chloride is Cl.

From the valence tables above, Magnesium has a valence of 2 while Chlorine has a valence of 1

2 1

Swap the valences: Mg Cl

Hence the formula is: MgCl2.

(b) Aluminium oxide

3 2

Al O

Hence the formula is: Al2O3

Chemical Formula for Elements with Variable Valencies

➢ Most transitional elements have variable valences. The valences of these transitional elements are
expressed in roman numerals in brackets; for example
• Copper (I) has a valency of 1
• Copper (II) has a valency of 2
• Iron (II) has a valency of 2
• Iron (III) has a valency of 3 etc

Example: Write down the chemical formula of

(a) Copper (II) Chloride
(b) Iron (III) Oxide

Solutions: (a) Copper (II) Chloride

2 1

Cu Cl

Hence the formula is: CuCl2

(b) Iron (III) Oxide

3 2

Fe O

Hence the formula is: Fe2O3

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Chemical formulae Involving Radicals ions

Example: Write down the chemical formula of

(a) Calcium Hydroxide
(b) Ammonium carbonate

Solutions: (a) Calcium Hydroxide

Calcium is an element while hydroxide is a radical ion with a formula OH-.

2 1

Ca OH

Hence the chemical formula is: Ca(OH)2.

Note that the subscript 2 multiplies everything inside the brackets. It multiplies all the atoms
found in hydroxide, hence the brackets. If the subscript value is 1, there is no need to put the
brackets around the radical ion. You do not need to put the brackets also if the radical ion
contains only one element e.g. sulphide (S).

(b) Ammonium carbonate

1 2

NH4 CO3

Hence the chemical formula is: (NH4)2CO3.

Writing a Chemical Formula Considering the Common Factor

If the valences of elements and radicals have a common factor, you can always divide to find the simplest ratio.

The empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio in which the atoms of different elements are
combined in the compound.

Example: Write down the chemical formula of

(a) Magnesium Oxide
(b) Calcium Carbonate

Solutions: (a) Magnesium Oxide

2 2

Mg O

The actual formula (molecular formula) is: Mg2O2

However, 2 is a common factor. We can divide all the subscripts by 2.

So the simplest formula is MgO.

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(b) Calcium Carbonate

2 2

Ca CO3

The actual formula (molecular formula) is: Ca2(CO3)2

Here also, 2 is a common factor. We can divide all the subscripts by 2

So the simplest formula is: CaCO3.

QUICK TEST YOURSELF 4. 2 (a)

1. Define the following terms

(a) Valence
(b) radical
2. Write down the chemical formula of the following
(a) Copper (II) hydroxide
(b) Lithium Oxide
(c) Hydrogen peroxide
(d) Ammonium Nitrate
(e) Ammonium sulphate
(f) Magnesium Hydrogen phosphate
(g) Potassium Dichromate

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Deducing Formulae of Ions from a Given Ionic Compound

➢ Most ionic compounds are made up of two types of ions; one is a positively - charged ion and the other
one negatively - charged ion.
➢ For example sodium chloride NaCl is made up of two different ions; the positively charged sodium ion Na+
and the negatively charged chloride ion Cl-.
➢ Compounds like Calcium Carbonate CaCO3 consist of a positive and a negative ion; Ca+ and CO32-.

Example:

1. Given the formula of Calcium Chloride CaCl2, deduce the formula of

(a) Calcium ion
(b) Chloride ion
2. Given the formula of Magnesium Chlorate Mg(ClO3)2 , deduce the formula of
(a) Magnesium ion
(b) Chlorate ion
What is the valence of the chlorate ion?

Solutions

1. Calcium Chloride CaCl2 has two ions;

(a) Ca2+
(b) Cl-

2. Magnesium Chlorate Mg(ClO3)2 has two ions;

(a) Mg2+
(b) ClO3-
The valence of chlorate is 1.

Here is the concept: The valence of an element or radical ion is numerically equal to its charge. For
example calcium has a valence of 2, therefore its charge is +2. Chlorine has a valence of 1, so the charge is
-1. Magnesium has a valence of 2, so the charge on its ion is +2. On the other hand Chlorate ion has a
valence of 1, so its charge is equal to -1.

QUICK CHECK 4. 2 (b)

1. Given the formula for Copper (II) Permanganate Cu(MnO4)2 ,

(a) What is the valence of copper (II)?
(b) What is the valence of permanganate?

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(b) Deduce the formula of

i. Copper (II) ion
ii. Permanganate ion
2. An element forms a compound X peroxide with the formula XO2.
(a) What is the valence of element X?
(b) What is the valence of peroxide?
(c) Deduce the formula of
i. X ion
ii. peroxide ion

Naming of Compounds

➢ Binary Ionic Compounds are compounds which contain a positive ion (cation) always written first in the
formula followed by a negative ion (anion). Here are the rules in naming a binary ionic compound:
• The positive ion is always named first followed by the negative ion.
• The negative ion (monatomic anion) is named by taking the root of the element and adding – ‘ide’.
Thus the Cl- ion is called chloride and the O2- ion is called oxide.
➢ Common monatomic anions below;

Anion Name
H- Hydride
F- Fluoride
Cl- Chloride
Br- Bromide
I- Iodide
S2- Sulphide
O2- Oxide
P3- Phosphide
N3- Nitride
I- Iodide

➢ Some examples of binary ionic compounds containing monatomic anions and cations are given below;

Compound Ions Name

Present
NaCl Na+ and Cl- Sodium Chloride
KI K+ and I- Potassium Iodide
CaS Ca2+and S2- Calcium Sulphide
MgO Mg2+ and O2- Magnesium Oxide
Li3N Li+ and N3- Lithium Nitride

➢ Some ionic compounds contain polyatomic ions (radicals). For example ammonium nitrate NH4NO3,
contains ammonium ion NH4+ and nitrate ion NO3-.

Example: Give a name for each of the following compounds;

(a) Na2SO4
(b) KH2PO4
(c) (NH4)3PO4

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Solutions: (a) Sodium Sulphate

(b) Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate

(c) Ammonium Phosphate

➢ Binary Covalent Compounds are formed between two non-metals. The naming of binary covalent
compounds is similar to that of binary ionic compounds.
➢ The following rules are applied in naming binary covalent compounds:
• The first element in the formula is named first, using the full element name;
• The second element is named as if it were an anion;
• The prefixes are used to denote the number of atoms present;
• The prefix mono is never used for naming the first element in the compound. For example, CO is
called carbon monoxide, not monocarbon oxide.

➢ To see how the rules are applied, we consider the names of several binary covalent compounds formed by
nitrogen and oxygen.

Compound Name Prefix Number

indicated
N2O Dinitrogen monoxide
Mono 1
NO Nitrogen monoxide
Di 2
NO2 Nitrogen dioxide
Tri 3
N2O3 Dinitrogen trioxide
Tetra 4
N2O4 Dinitrogen tetroxide
Penta 5
N2O5 Dinitrogen pentoxide
Hexa 6
Hepta 7
Octa 8
nona 9
deca 10

Example:

1. Name the following binary covalent compounds

(a) PCl5
(b) PCl3
(c) SO2
2. Write the formula of each of the following binary covalent compounds
(a) Sulphur hexafluoride
(b) Phosphorous trioxide
(c) Carbon dioxide

Solutions:

1. (a) Phosphorus pentachloride

(b) Phosphorus trichloride

(c) Sulphur dioxide

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2. (a) SF6

(b) SO3

(c) CO2

QUICK CHECK 4.2 (c)

1. Define the following words

(a) Binary ionic compound
(b) Binary covalent compound

2. Name the following binary ionic and covalent compounds

(a) NaF (e) SO
(b) CaO (f) S2O3
(c) MgI (g) S2O5
(d) Fe2S3 (h) P2O5

3. Name the following ionic compounds containing radical ions.

(a) Na2CO3
(b) Mg (ClO2)2
(c) K2S2O3
(d) (NH4)2Cr2O7

4. Write the formula of each of the following

(a) Diphosphate pentaoxide (d) Sodium Thiosulphate
(b) Sulphur tetrachloride (e) Aluminium Dichromate
(c) Hydrogen cyanide (f) Hydrogen peroxide

4.3. CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

➢ A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction or chemical change where the
reactant entities are given on the left hand side and the products on the right side of the equation.

Reactants Products

Word Equations

➢ A word equation is an equation where actual names of elements or compounds are used instead of
symbols or formulae. An example of a word equation has been given below.

Calcium(s) + water (l) Calcium Hydroxide (aq) + Hydrogen (g)

Symbolic or Formula Equation

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➢ Symbolic or formula equation is an equation where symbols or formulae of compounds are used instead
of names. An example of a formula equation has been given below.

Ca(s) + 2H 2 O(l) Ca(OH) 2 (aq) + H 2 (g)

The steps to be followed when coming up with a correct chemical equation

➢ Check if the elements given in the equation are monatomic or diatomic.

Monatomic Elements include: He, Ar, Ne, Kr.

Diatomic Elements include: H2, O2, H2, N2, I2, Br2, F2
Metals are not diatomic. When referring to metals in the equation, we write them as single atoms e.g.
Mg, Na, Ca, Fe, K, Cu, Zn, Pl, Al etc.

➢ Check for molecules or compounds in the chemical equation and make sure that they have the correct
formulae.
➢ Balancing of the chemical equation is the next step. The number of each type of atom should be same on
both sides of the equation. Which means that if you have 12 hydrogen atoms on the left hand side of the
equation, you must have 12 hydrogen atoms on the right hand side also. If there are 4 oxygen atoms on
the left, there must 4 oxygen atoms on the right, and so on and so forth. This is because of the law of
conservation of mass - you can't make or destroy atoms during a chemical reaction. We only alter the
coefficients in the equation. That is we alter the number on the left side of each chemical substance. Do
NOT touch the subscripts for the atoms in a chemical species, or you will change it into a different
chemical substance. For example, you cannot alter the subscript value of 2 on carbon dioxide CO2 in order
to balance the equation. Formula of compounds must never be changed in balancing a chemical equation.
An equation can be balanced by inspections, a systematic trial and error procedure (try and error).
➢ Finally put the state symbols for each chemical substance in the equation.
1. Solid (s)
2. Liquid (l)
3. Gas (g)
4. Aqueous solution (aq). A substance is said to be in aqueous state when it has been dissolved in
water.

Converting Word Equation into Formula Equation

Example

1. Given the word equation below, construct a balanced chemical equation including state symbols.

a) Aluminium + Oxygen Aluminium Oxide

b) Calcium Oxide + Water Calcium Hydroxide + Hydrogen

2. Balance the following equations,

(a) Mg + O2 MgO
(b) Zn + HCl ZnCl2 + H2

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Solutions:

1. (a) Aluminium + Oxygen Aluminium Oxide

➢ Follow all the steps involved in coming up with a correct balanced chemical equation.
➢ To start with, analyse and scrutinise the nature of the three substances given in the equation. There are
three substances; aluminium, oxygen and aluminium oxide.
1. Aluminium is a metallic element. It is not diatomic. So in the equation, it is written as Al.
2. Oxygen is a non - metallic element and it is a diatomic. So in the equation, it is written as O2.
3.
4. Aluminium oxide is a compound. The formula is worked out as follows;

3 2

Al O

The formula for aluminium oxide is Al2O3.

➢ Hence the equation is like this;

Al + O2 Al2O3

➢ Now we have to balance the number of atoms of aluminium and oxygen on the left side and on the right
side. We alter the coefficients in the equation. That is, we alter the number on the left side of each
chemical substance. Do NOT touch the subscripts for the atoms in a chemical species, or you will change it
into different chemical substance.
➢ Since we have 2 oxygen atoms on the left side and 3 oxygen atoms on the right side, we have to find the
lowest common multiple to balance these atoms. The lowest common multiple here is 6. So we have to
manipulate the coefficients (numbers on the left sides) and ensure that the total number of oxygen atoms
is 6 on both sides. After that we can easily balance aluminium atoms;

Left side right side

Number of oxygen atoms: 3x2 2x3

Number of aluminium atoms: 1x4 2x2
➢ Hence the equation will look like this when state symbols are included;

4Al(s) + 3O2(g) 2Al2O3(s)

➢ It should be noted that there are a lot of ways in which equations can be balanced; there is no consistent
formula or method.

(b) Calcium Oxide + Water Calcium Hydroxide

➢ To start with, analyse and scrutinise the nature of the three substances given in the equation. There are
three substances; calcium oxide, water and calcium hydroxide.
1. The formula for calcium oxide is: CaO
2. The formula for water is: H2O
3. The formula for calcium hydroxide is: Ca (OH)2.

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➢ All the three substances given above are compounds. So we have considered the correct chemical
formulae.

➢ Hence the equation will look like this when state symbols are included;

CaO(s) + H2O(l) Ca (OH)2(aq)

2. Below are answers to question 2,

(a) 2Mg + O2 2MgO
(b) Zn + 2HCl ZnCl2 + H2

QUICK CHECK 4.2 (a)

1. Given the word equation below, construct a balanced chemical equation including state symbols.
(a) Hydrogen + Oxygen Hydrogen oxide (water)
(b) Sodium + Chlorine Sodium chloride
(c) Potassium oxide + Water Potassium hydroxide
(d) Aqueous magnesium hydroxide + aqueous hydrogen sulphate aqueous magnesium
sulphate + water
(e) Sodium carbonate + aqueous hydrogen sulphate Sodium sulphate + carbon dioxide +
water
(f) Barium Nitrate + Sodium Sulphate Barium sulphate + Sodium nitrate
2. Balance the following chemical equations;
(a) Al + Cl2 AlCl3
(b) Ca + O2 CaO
(c) Na + O2 Na2O
(d) H2SO4 + Fe Fe2(SO4)3 + H2
(e) C3H8 + O2 H2O + CO2
(f) C2H4 + O2 H2O + CO2

Ionic Equations

An ionic equation shows only the ions that actually take part in a chemical reaction.

On the other hand, spectator ions are ions which do not take part in a chemical reaction.

The following steps should be followed when formulating an ionic equation.

1. Start by balancing the chemical equation.

2. Split the ionic compounds which are in aqueous (compounds with (aq) beside them) or liquid (molten) state
into their respective ions.

o Indicate the correct formula and charge of each ion

o Indicate the correct number of each ion
o Write (aq) besides each ion

Note: DO NOT split covalent compounds be it in aqueous, liquid (molten) or solid or gaseous state because they
do not contain ions but molecules.

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3. Cross out ions found on both sides of an equation. They do not take part in a chemical reaction so they are
called Spectator Ions. Spectator ions usually appear on both sides. They did not undergo a chemical change.

Example:

1. Write a net ionic equation for each of the following chemical equations
(a) NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) Na2SO4(aq) + H2O(l)
(b) BaCl2(aq) + K2SO4(aq) KCl(aq) + BaSO4(s)

Solutions:

1. Follow all the three steps written above in coming up with the correct net ionic equation.
(a) NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) Na2SO4(aq) + H2O(l)

Step 1: Balance the equation;

2NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Step 2: Split all ionic compounds in aqueous state. These are compounds with (aq) beside them.

There are 3 compounds which are in aqueous state (aq). This is how they are split;

o NaOH(aq) is split into Na+(aq) and OH-(aq) .

o H2SO4(aq) is split into 2H+(aq) and SO42-(aq).
o Na2SO4(aq) is split into 2Na+(aq) and SO42-(aq).

When all the ions are broken down (split), the ionic equation would look like this:

2Na + (aq) + 2OH − (aq) + 2H + (aq) + SO42- (aq) 2Na + (aq) + SO42- (aq) + 2H 2 O(l)

Step 3: Cross out or cancel out spectator ions on both sides of the equation;

2Na + (aq) + 2OH − (aq) + 2H + (aq) + SO42- (aq) 2Na + (aq) + SO42- (aq) + 2H 2 O(l)

Sodium ion Na+(aq) and Sulphate ion SO42- (aq) appear on both sides as spectators, and are cancelled.

Finally, the net ionic equation is written as follows:

OH − (aq) + H + (aq) H 2 O(l)

(b) BaCl2(aq) + K2SO4(aq) KCl(aq) + BaSO4(s)

For this example, we also follow all the steps involved;

Step 1: Balance the equation;

BaCl2(aq) + K2SO4(aq) 2KCl(aq) + BaSO4(s)

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Step 2: Split all ionic compounds in aqueous state. Compounds with (aq) beside them.

Ba2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + 2K+ (aq) + SO42-(aq) 2Cl-(aq) + 2K+ (aq) + BaSO4(s)

Barium Sulphate BaSO4(s) is in solid state so it cannot be split.

Step 3: Cross out or cancel out spectator ions on both sides of the equation;

Ba2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) + 2K+ (aq) + SO42-(aq) 2Cl-(aq) + 2K+ (aq) + BaSO4(s)

Finally, the net ionic equation is written as follows;

Ba2+(aq) + SO42-(aq) BaSO4(s)

QUICK CHECK 4.2 (b)

1. Write a net ionic equation for each of the following chemical equations
(a) KOH(aq) + HCl(aq) KCl(aq) + H2O(l)
(b) CaCO3(s) + 2HNO3(aq) Ca(NO3)2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
(c) 2AgNO3(aq) + MgCl2(aq) Mg(NO3)2(aq) + 2AgCl(s)

PRACTICE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Write down the chemical formula of the following

(a) Iron (III) oxide
(b) Potassium thiosulphate
(c) Sulphur tetroxide
(d) Phosphate pentochloride
2. Given the formula of Copper (II) hydrogen phosphate CuHPO4 , deduce the formula of
(a) Copper ion
(b) Hydrogen phosphate ion
(c) Sodium hydrogen phosphate
3. Give a name for each of the following compounds;
(a) NH4NO3
(b) CaS
(c) Fe(NO2)2
(d) NH4HSO4
(e) P2O3
(f) P2O4
4. Given the word equation below, construct a balanced chemical equation including state symbols.
(a) Sodium + Water Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen gas
(b) Sodium Carbonate + Hydrogen chloride solution sodium chloride + carbon dioxide +
water
(c) Iron (III) Oxide + Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide + Iron
(d) Copper (II) Oxide + Hydrogen Copper + Water
(e) Calcium carbonate calcium oxide + carbon dioxide
(f) Silicon dioxide + calcium oxide calcium silicate
5. Write a net ionic equation for each of the following chemical equations
(a) Mg(OH)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)
(b) Pb(NO3)2(aq) + 2KCl(aq) 2KNO3(aq) + PbCl2(s)

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(c) Na2SO3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) 2NaCl(aq) + SO2(g) + H2O(l)

Examples:

Balance the chemical equation:

Question 1:

1. CH4 + Cl2 CCl4 + HCl

C=1 C=1

H=4 H=1

Cl=2 Cl=5

2. CH4 + Cl2 CCl4 + 4HCl

C=1 C=1

H=4 H=1 4

Cl=2 Cl=5 8

3. CH4 + 4Cl2 CCl4 + 4HCl

C=1 C=1

H=4 H=1 4

Cl=2 8 Cl=5 8

Question 2:

1. P4O10 + H2O H3PO4

P=4 P=1

0=11 0=4

H=2 H=3

2. P4O10 + H2O 4H3PO4

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P=4 P=1 4

0=11 0=4 16

H=2 H=3 12

3. P4O10 + 6H2O 4H3PO4

P=4 P=1 4

0=11 16 0=4 16

H=2 12 H=3 12

Question 3:

1. C6H14 + O2 CO2 + H2O

C=6 C=1

H=14 H=2

O=2 O=3

2. C6H14 + O2 6CO2 + H2O

C=6 C=1 6

H=14 H=2

O=2 O=3 13

3. C6H14 + O2 6CO2 + 7H2O

C=6 C=1 6

H=14 H=2 14

O=2 (19/2) O=3 13 19

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CHEMISTRY-5124 | Tendai Mathews Zimba