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Topic: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?  (Read 1220 times)

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Offline holyshitspace

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How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
« 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 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.

Offline Babcock_Hall

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Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2021, 10:15:21 AM »
What class of substance is H2SO4?  What class of substance is KOH?

Offline holyshitspace

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Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2021, 10:26:08 AM »
What class of substance is H2SO4?  What class of substance is KOH?

H2SO4 is an acid but KOH I have no idea.

Offline Babcock_Hall

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Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
« Reply #3 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?

Offline holyshitspace

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Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2021, 12:19:17 PM »
I really genuinly have no idea :-[  ???  :-\

Offline Babcock_Hall

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Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2021, 12:43:39 PM »
Strong acids and strong bases react to yield a salt and water.

Offline Borek

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Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
« Reply #6 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.
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Offline Babcock_Hall

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Re: How do I know which elements will react in an equation?
« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2021, 06:13:31 PM »
I agree with Borek; you will have to find a way to learn the fundamentals.

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