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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: holyshitspace on November 19, 2021, 09:47:20 AM

Title: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
Post by: holyshitspace on November 19, 2021, 09:47:20 AM

Hello

I know this is super basic stuff but I literally can not find the answer to it anywhere. It doesnt say anywhere in my book, and I've sadly missed a lot of classes because of depression so I dont feel like I can ask my prof. I've tried watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYmrWHzT1oI&ab_channel=TheOrganicChemistryTutor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYmrWHzT1oI&ab_channel=TheOrganicChemistryTutor) but even he glosses over WHY some elements react. In AlCl3+Na2SO4, WHY do Al and SO combine?? The next equation is H2SO4+KOH and I have absolutely no idea how I'm supposed to know what combines. Whats the rule here, so I can apply it to other equations? I really have no idea. Any help greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
Post by: Babcock_Hall on November 19, 2021, 10:15:21 AM

What class of substance is H₂SO₄?  What class of substance is KOH?

Title: Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
Post by: holyshitspace on November 19, 2021, 10:26:08 AM

Quote from: Babcock_Hall on November 19, 2021, 10:15:21 AM

What class of substance is H₂SO₄?  What class of substance is KOH?

H2SO4 is an acid but KOH I have no idea.

Title: Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
Post by: Babcock_Hall on November 19, 2021, 11:22:42 AM

It is very similar to NaOH, which is a strong base.  Cations such as sodium or potassium ion are often spectators.  It is important to include them in the balanced equation.  What do you think will happen now?

Title: Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
Post by: holyshitspace on November 19, 2021, 12:19:17 PM

I really genuinly have no idea :-[  ???  :-\

Title: Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
Post by: Babcock_Hall on November 19, 2021, 12:43:39 PM

Strong acids and strong bases react to yield a salt and water.

Title: Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
Post by: Borek on November 19, 2021, 02:20:15 PM

There is really no other way to learn the stuff than to plough through all the material you missed. Trying hit and run will only confuse you further.

Title: Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
Post by: Babcock_Hall on November 19, 2021, 06:13:31 PM

I agree with Borek; you will have to find a way to learn the fundamentals.