Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: upsidedown on May 02, 2008, 06:37:29 AM
-
I know hot to do simple one, but I gt confused when i have to use half numbers.
Does anyone know of a simple way of doing it?
For example, here is a question that i got stuck on:
1 mole of C4H4O4 is neutralised by 2 mol of KOH.
Complete and balance the equation below for this reaction.
reactant + reactant ----> product + product
....KOH + ....C4H4O4 ----> ....K2C4H2O4 + H2O
Thanks for any help.
-
Almiost all is known. Moreover, in the neutralisation reactions water is produced.
-
Well, for starters, you'll need all products. In an acid-base reaction, the acid and base neutralize each other to produce, what?
-
Now I know all of the products what do I do ?
-
Can you write the reaction out, reactant + reactant --> product + product, for us?
-
Can you write the reaction out, reactant + reactant --> product + product, for us?
Why?
It seems kind of obvious.
-
If it is so obvious, balancing the reaction should be obvious as well. However, if you don't know how to balance, show us where the problem lies so that we can help you just where you need it.
I can list all stoichiometric coefficients - will you understand how to balance next reaction, or will you be just as clueless as you are now?
-
OK, i have added reactant + reactant --> product + product.
I still don't get how this helps, I just wanted to know if there was a quick way of balancing an equation hwne you have to use half numbers.
-
You have put down the equation but it is not balanced.
Add up the number of each particular atom on each side of the equation. They should be the same for a balanced equation.
You should not use fractions but instead multipy everything until you have only whole numbers.
-
I just wanted to know if there was a quick way of balancing an equation when you have to use half numbers.
Great, I was looking for an excuse to post this helpful link:
http://www.trimen.pl/witek/calculators/wspolczynniki.html
The Javascript applet on that page explains how balancing equations has nothing to do with chemistry, it is simply algebra -- with distintively humorous examples.
-
This link is more politically correct ;)
http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=balancing-stoichiometry&right=algebraic-method
-
This link is more politically correct ;)
http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=balancing-stoichiometry&right=algebraic-method
Granted, but you don't make jokes, like incorrect reactions or, impossibly difficult reactions or silly balancing. Or use Flash.
-
I have had a long look at both of those links, and I'm still just as confussed.
Can someone please help me when balancing equations like the one i gave in the example at the start?
-
I have had a long look at both of those links, and I'm still just as confussed.
Can someone please help me when balancing equations like the one i gave in the example at the start?
You did realize that you could just cut and paste a chemical equation into the Javascript applet on the page I linked to, and get the answer, and a stepwise explanation, right?
'Course, it won't work with your example above, because you're missing a hydrogen in your example, that was mentioned in the body of text in your question. Even by hand, with the best explanation possible, you can't balance an incorrect equation.
1 mole of C4H4O4 is neutralised by 2 mol of KOH.
Complete and balance the equation below for this reaction.
reactant + reactant ----> product + product
....KOH + ....C4H3O4 ----> ....K2C4H2O4 + H2O
That could be why you can't figure it out.
-
I have had a long look at both of those links, and I'm still just as confussed.
Can someone please help me when balancing equations like the one i gave in the example at the start?
You did realize that you could just cut and paste a chemical equation into the Javascript applet on the page I linked to, and get the answer, and a stepwise explanation, right?
'Course, it won't work with your example above, because you're missing a hydrogen in your example, that was mentioned in the body of text in your question. Even by hand, with the best explanation possible, you can't balance an incorrect equation.
1 mole of C4H4O4 is neutralised by 2 mol of KOH.
Complete and balance the equation below for this reaction.
reactant + reactant ----> product + product
....KOH + ....C4H3O4 ----> ....K2C4H2O4 + H2O
That could be why you can't figure it out.
Yes, sorry i didn't notice that mistake.
But even so i having trobble solving it.
-
KOH + C4H4O4 ---> K2C4H2O4 + H2O
1) Balance K first as it is easier compare to O and H
2KOH + C4H4O4 ---> K2C4H2O4 + H2O
2) Now check for H and O, since K and C are already balanced. You need 2 more H and O on the right, logically, you will assign the 2 to H2O and not K2C4H2O4.
2KOH + C4H4O4 ---> K2C4H2O4 + 2H2O
-
2KOH + C4H4O4 ---> K2C4H2O4 + 2H2O
This means that on the left hand side there are 2Ks, 6Os, 4Cs, 6Hs
and on the right hand side there is 2Ks, 6Os, 4Cs, 8Hs
-
2KOH + C4H4O4 ---> K2C4H2O4 + 2H2O
This means that on the left hand side there are 2Ks, 6Os, 4Cs, 6Hs
and on the right hand side there is 2Ks, 6Os, 4Cs, 8Hs
Yet again, you are messing up the numbers ...
2KOH + C4H4O4 ---> K2C4H2O4 + 2H2O
2 + 2*2 = 6 not 8
-
Thanks for the help.
I really have no idea why I made so many mistakes, it all looks so simple now.