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Ch.4 - Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Tro - Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 4th Edition
Tro4th EditionChemistry: A Molecular ApproachISBN: 9780134112831Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTro 4th EditionCh.4 - Chemical Quantities & Aqueous ReactionsProblem 86b
Chapter 4, Problem 86b

Complete and balance each acid–base equation. b. HC2H3O2(aq) + Ca(OH)2(aq) →

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Identify the reactants: acetic acid \((\text{HC}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2)\) and calcium hydroxide \((\text{Ca(OH)}_2)\).
Determine the products: the reaction between an acid and a base typically produces water \((\text{H}_2\text{O})\) and a salt. Here, the salt is calcium acetate \((\text{Ca(C}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2)_2)\).
Write the unbalanced chemical equation: \(\text{HC}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2(aq) + \text{Ca(OH)}_2(aq) \rightarrow \text{Ca(C}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2)_2(aq) + \text{H}_2\text{O}(l)\).
Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides. Start by balancing the acetate ions \((\text{C}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2^-)\), then balance the calcium \((\text{Ca}^{2+})\), and finally the water molecules.
Verify that the equation is balanced by counting the atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H+) between reactants. In this context, acetic acid (HC2H3O2) acts as an acid, donating a proton, while calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) serves as a base, accepting the proton. Understanding this transfer is crucial for predicting the products of the reaction.
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Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Proper balancing is essential for accurately representing the stoichiometry of the reaction.
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Products of Acid-Base Neutralization

In a typical acid-base neutralization reaction, the products are usually a salt and water. In this case, the reaction between acetic acid and calcium hydroxide will produce calcium acetate and water. Recognizing the expected products helps in correctly completing and balancing the equation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Write balanced complete ionic and net ionic equations for each acid–base reaction. a. HI(aq) + RbOH(aq) →

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Complete and balance each acid–base equation.

a. H2SO4(aq) + Ca(OH)2(aq) →

b. HClO4(aq) + KOH(aq) →

c. H2SO4(aq) + NaOH(aq) →

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Write balanced molecular and net ionic equations for the reaction between nitric acid and calcium hydroxide.

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Write balanced complete ionic and net ionic equations for each acid–base reaction. a. HBr(aq) + NaOH(aq) → b. HF(aq) + NaOH(aq) → c. HC2H3O2(aq) + RbOH(aq) →

Textbook Question

Write balanced complete ionic and net ionic equations for each acid–base reaction.

b. HCHO2(aq) + NaOH(aq) →

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Write balanced molecular and net ionic equations for the reaction between hydrobromic acid and potassium hydroxide.