Representations of Reactions

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AP Chemistry › Representations of Reactions

Questions 1 - 10
1

A student mixes aqueous solutions of calcium chloride and sodium carbonate. A white precipitate forms. Which balanced molecular equation best represents the reaction (including states)?

CaCl$_2$(aq) + Na$_2$CO$_3$(aq)  Ca$_2$CO$_3$(s) + 2NaCl(aq)

CaCl$_2$(aq) + Na$_2$CO$_3$(aq)  CaCO$_3$(s) + 2NaCl(aq)

CaCl$_2$(aq) + Na$_2$CO$_3$(aq)  CaCO$_3$(aq) + 2NaCl(s)

CaCl$_2$(aq) + NaCO$_3$(aq)  CaCO$_3$(s) + NaCl(aq)

CaCl$_2$(s) + Na$_2$CO$_3$(aq)  CaCO$_3$(s) + 2NaCl(aq)

Explanation

This question assesses the skill of representations of reactions. To check consistency across representations, first count the atoms of each element on both sides of the equation to ensure conservation, such as 1 Ca, 2 Cl, 2 Na, 1 C, and 3 O in the balanced form. Next, verify that charges are conserved if ionic species are present, though this molecular equation shows neutral compounds. Additionally, confirm that the states of matter align with the description, like the white precipitate being solid CaCO3. A tempting distractor is choice A, which incorrectly shows CaCO3 as aqueous and NaCl as solid, reversing the solubility rules for these compounds. Always check atom count and charge before worrying about reaction type.

2

A word description states: “Aqueous magnesium chloride reacts with aqueous silver nitrate to produce solid silver chloride and aqueous magnesium nitrate.” Which balanced molecular equation matches the description?

MgCl$_2$(aq) + 2AgNO$_3$(aq)  2AgCl(s) + Mg(NO$_3$)$_2$(aq)

MgCl$_2$(aq) + AgNO$_3$(aq)  AgCl(s) + MgNO$_3$(aq)

MgCl$_2$(aq) + 2AgNO$_3$(aq)  2AgCl(s) + MgNO$_3$(aq)

MgCl$_2$(s) + 2AgNO$_3$(aq)  2AgCl(aq) + Mg(NO$_3$)$_2$(aq)

Mg$^{2+}$(aq) + 2Cl$^-$(aq) + 2AgNO$_3$(aq)  2AgCl(s) + Mg$^{2+}$(aq) + 2NO$_3^-$(aq)

Explanation

This question assesses the skill of representations of reactions. To check consistency across representations, count atoms like 1 Mg, 2 Cl, 2 Ag, 2 N, 6 O on both sides. Verify neutral charges in this molecular equation. Ensure states match: aqueous reactants to solid AgCl and aqueous Mg(NO3)2. A tempting distractor is choice A, which lacks coefficients, unbalancing Cl and Ag atoms. Always check atom count and charge before worrying about reaction type.

3

The molecular equation for a reaction in aqueous solution is $\mathrm{HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow NaCl(aq) + H_2O(l)}$. Which net ionic equation corresponds to this reaction?

$\mathrm{Na^+(aq) + Cl^-(aq) \rightarrow NaCl(aq)}$

$\mathrm{H^+(aq) + OH^-(aq) \rightarrow H_2(g) + O^{2-}(aq)}$

$\mathrm{H^+(aq) + OH^-(aq) \rightarrow H_2O(l)}$

$\mathrm{H^+(aq) + Cl^-(aq) + Na^+(aq) + OH^-(aq) \rightarrow NaCl(s) + H_2O(l)}$

$\mathrm{HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow NaCl(aq) + H_2O(l)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of representations of reactions by asking you to convert a molecular equation to its net ionic form. To verify the net ionic equation, first write the complete ionic form: H⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) + Na⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → Na⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) + H₂O(l). Then identify spectator ions (Na⁺ and Cl⁻ appear unchanged on both sides) and remove them. Choice A incorrectly shows the formation of NaCl from its ions, which are actually spectators. The correct answer C shows only the reacting species: H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l), representing the essential acid-base neutralization. To write net ionic equations, include only the species that undergo chemical change and exclude all spectator ions.

4

A reaction is described as: “Solid magnesium oxide is added to hydrochloric acid, producing aqueous magnesium chloride and liquid water.” Which balanced molecular equation best represents this reaction, including physical states?

$\mathrm{MgO(s) + 2,HCl(aq) \rightarrow MgCl_2(aq) + H_2O(l)}$

$\mathrm{MgO(aq) + 2,HCl(aq) \rightarrow MgCl_2(s) + H_2O(aq)}$

$\mathrm{MgO(s) + H_2O(l) \rightarrow Mg(OH)_2(aq)}$

$\mathrm{MgO(s) + HCl(aq) \rightarrow MgCl(aq) + HOH(l)}$

$\mathrm{Mg(s) + 2,HCl(aq) \rightarrow MgCl_2(aq) + H_2(g)}$

Explanation

This problem requires the skill of representations of reactions to write a balanced equation matching a verbal description. Checking conservation: Mg (1→1), O (1→1), H (2→2), Cl (2→2), all atoms balance correctly. The equation also shows correct physical states: MgO is a solid metal oxide, HCl is aqueous acid, MgCl₂ is soluble (aqueous), and water is liquid. Choice D shows a different reaction—metallic Mg reacting with HCl to produce H₂ gas, not the acid-base reaction described. Always match the chemical species and physical states exactly to the problem description.

5

A particulate-level description shows that aqueous H$^+$(aq) ions react with solid magnesium metal to produce aqueous Mg$^{2+}$(aq) ions and hydrogen gas, H$_2$(g). Which balanced net ionic equation matches this description?

Mg(s) + 2H$^+$(aq)  Mg$^{2+}$(aq) + H$_2$(g)

2Mg(s) + 2H$^+$(aq)  2Mg$^{2+}$(aq) + H$_2$(g)

Mg$^{2+}$(aq) + 2H$^+$(aq)  Mg(s) + H$_2$(g)

Mg(s) + H$^+$(aq)  Mg$^{2+}$(aq) + H(g)

Mg(s) + H$_2$(aq)  Mg$^{2+}$(aq) + 2H$^-$(aq)

Explanation

This question assesses the skill of representations of reactions. To check consistency across representations, count atoms: 1 Mg, 2 H on both sides. Verify charge: +2 on left (2H+) matches +2 on right (Mg2+). Confirm states: solid Mg, aqueous H+ to aqueous Mg2+, gaseous H2. A tempting distractor is choice A, which omits the coefficient 2 for H+, unbalancing atoms and charge. Always check atom count and charge before worrying about reaction type.

6

A student claims that the net ionic equation for mixing aqueous ammonium chloride and aqueous sodium hydroxide is $\mathrm{NH_4^+(aq) + OH^-(aq) \rightarrow NH_3(aq) + H_2O(l)}$. Which molecular equation is consistent with that net ionic equation (including physical states)?

$\mathrm{NH_4Cl(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow NH_4OH(aq) + NaCl(aq)}$

$\mathrm{NH_3(aq) + HCl(aq) \rightarrow NH_4Cl(aq)}$

$\mathrm{NH_4Cl(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow NH_2Cl(aq) + NaH_2O(aq)}$

$\mathrm{NH_4Cl(s) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow NH_4OH(aq) + NaCl(s)}$

$\mathrm{NH_4Cl(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow NH_3(aq) + H_2O(l) + NaCl(aq)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of representations of reactions by asking you to match a net ionic equation with its molecular form. To verify consistency, the molecular equation must produce the same net ionic equation when spectator ions are removed: NH₄Cl provides NH₄⁺ and Cl⁻, NaOH provides Na⁺ and OH⁻, and after removing spectators (Na⁺ and Cl⁻), we get NH₄⁺ + OH⁻ → NH₃ + H₂O. Choice C incorrectly shows NH₄OH as a product, but this compound doesn't exist as a stable molecule (ammonia exists as NH₃ in water). The correct answer A shows NH₄Cl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NH₃(aq) + H₂O(l) + NaCl(aq), which yields the given net ionic equation when spectator ions are removed. To verify molecular equations match net ionic equations, write the complete ionic form and confirm that removing spectators gives the target net equation.

7

A reaction in aqueous solution is described at the particulate level as: “Silver ions, $\mathrm{Ag^+}$, combine with chloride ions, $\mathrm{Cl^-}$, to form solid silver chloride.” Which complete (molecular) equation is consistent with this description, including spectator ions?

$\mathrm{AgNO_3(aq) + NaCl(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(s) + NaNO_3(aq)}$

$\mathrm{AgCl(aq) \rightarrow Ag^+(aq) + Cl^-(aq)}$

$\mathrm{AgNO_3(aq) + NaCl(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(aq) + NaNO_3(s)}$

$\mathrm{AgNO_3(aq) + HCl(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(s) + HNO_3(s)}$

$\mathrm{AgNO_3(s) + NaCl(aq) \rightarrow AgCl(s) + NaNO_3(aq)}$

Explanation

This problem tests representations of reactions by connecting a particulate description to a complete molecular equation. The equation must show all species including spectator ions (Na⁺ and NO₃⁻) that don't participate in the net reaction. Verifying conservation: Ag (1→1), N (1→1), O (3→3), Na (1→1), Cl (1→1), all atoms balance. Choice D shows only a dissolution equation, missing the precipitation reaction entirely. When converting between net ionic and molecular equations, always include spectator ions and verify physical states match the description.

8

A student is given the complete ionic equation: $\mathrm{2,Na^+(aq) + CO_3^{2-}(aq) + 2,H^+(aq) + 2,Cl^-(aq) \rightarrow 2,Na^+(aq) + 2,Cl^-(aq) + H_2O(l) + CO_2(g)}$. Which net ionic equation corresponds to it?

$\mathrm{CO_2(g) + H_2O(l) \rightarrow CO_3^{2-}(aq) + 2,H^+(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Na_2CO_3(aq) + 2,HCl(aq) \rightarrow 2,NaCl(aq) + H_2O(l) + CO_2(g)}$

$\mathrm{2,Na^+(aq) + 2,Cl^-(aq) \rightarrow 2,NaCl(s)}$

$\mathrm{CO_3^{2-}(aq) + 2,HCl(aq) \rightarrow CO_2(g) + H_2O(l) + 2,Cl^-(aq)}$

$\mathrm{CO_3^{2-}(aq) + 2,H^+(aq) \rightarrow H_2O(l) + CO_2(g)}$

Explanation

This question requires the skill of representations of reactions to identify the net ionic equation from a complete ionic equation. The complete ionic equation shows Na⁺ and Cl⁻ appearing unchanged on both sides—these are spectator ions to be removed. The net ionic equation shows only: CO₃²⁻ + 2H⁺ → H₂O + CO₂. Verifying conservation: C (1→1), O (3→3), H (2→2), charge (-2 + 2(+1) = 0 on both sides). Choice E incorrectly includes Cl⁻ ions, which are spectators. To find net ionic equations, cancel all ions that appear identically on both sides of the complete ionic equation.

9

A student mixes aqueous solutions of calcium chloride and sodium carbonate, producing a precipitate. Which balanced molecular equation best represents the reaction?

$\mathrm{CaCl_2(aq) + Na_2CO_3(aq) \rightarrow CaCO_3(s) + NaCl(aq)}$

$\mathrm{CaCl_2(aq) + Na_2CO_3(aq) \rightarrow CaCO_3(aq) + 2,NaCl(s)}$

$\mathrm{CaCl_2(aq) + Na_2CO_3(aq) \rightarrow Ca_2CO_3(s) + 2,NaCl(aq)}$

$\mathrm{CaCl_2(aq) + Na_2CO_3(aq) \rightarrow CaCl(s) + Na_2CO_3(aq)}$

$\mathrm{CaCl_2(aq) + Na_2CO_3(aq) \rightarrow CaCO_3(s) + 2,NaCl(aq)}$

Explanation

This question tests the skill of representations of reactions by asking you to identify the correct molecular equation for a precipitation reaction. To verify the equation is balanced, count atoms on each side: Ca (1→1), Cl (2→2), Na (2→2), C (1→1), O (3→3), all balanced. The charge is also conserved since all compounds are neutral. Choice B incorrectly shows NaCl as a solid when sodium chloride is highly soluble in water. Always verify that precipitates match known solubility rules—carbonates of Group 2 metals like CaCO₃ are insoluble while alkali metal salts like NaCl are soluble.

10

A reaction in aqueous solution is described as: “Aqueous aluminum ions combine with aqueous phosphate ions to form solid aluminum phosphate.” Which balanced net ionic equation best represents this reaction?

$\mathrm{Al^{3+}(aq) + PO_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow Al(s) + PO_4(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Al^{3+}(aq) + PO_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow AlPO_4(s)}$

$\mathrm{Al^{3+}(aq) + PO_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow AlPO_4(aq)}$

$\mathrm{Al^{3+}(aq) + 3,PO_4^-(aq) \rightarrow Al(PO_4)_3(s)}$

$\mathrm{Al^{2+}(aq) + PO_4^{3-}(aq) \rightarrow AlPO_4(s)}$

Explanation

This problem tests representations of reactions for a precipitation reaction at the ionic level. The equation must balance atoms and charge: Al (1→1), P (1→1), O (4→4), with charge +3 + (-3) = 0 on the left and 0 on the right. AlPO₄ forms as a solid precipitate when Al³⁺ and PO₄³⁻ ions combine in aqueous solution. Choice C incorrectly shows Al²⁺, but aluminum forms +3 ions, not +2. When writing ionic equations, always use the correct charges for ions based on their position in the periodic table or polyatomic ion charges.

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