Below are 2 word equations. For each, identify the type of equation and write a chemical equation with symbols for the word equation. (I have solved the equations but I am not sure what the question means by ``type of equation``)
a) Potassium was discovered in 1807 by electrically decomposing potash (potassium chloride). (2 marks)
b) A deadly gas (hydrogen cyanide) is produced when hydrochloric acid is added to a potassium cyanide solution. (2 marks)
Type of reaction means
a. decomposition
b. single replacement
c. double replacement
d. redox
etc.
Thank you so much!
To identify the "type of equation", the question is asking for the classification of the chemical reaction associated with the given word equation. There are several types of chemical reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, combustion, displacement, and acid-base reactions.
a) In this word equation, the process described is the decomposition of potash (potassium chloride) using electricity to obtain potassium. This is an example of an electrolysis reaction.
The chemical equation with symbols for this word equation would be:
2KCl(aq) + electric energy → 2K(s) + Cl2(g)
b) In this word equation, the reaction result is the production of hydrogen cyanide gas when hydrochloric acid reacts with a potassium cyanide solution. This is an example of an acid-base reaction combined with a displacement reaction.
The chemical equation with symbols for this word equation would be:
2KCN(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → KCN + HCN(g) + KCl(aq)
Note: The chemical equation provided in (b) assumes that potassium cyanide and hydrochloric acid are both in aqueous solutions.