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NSWChemistryQuick questions
Module 6: Acid/Base Reactions
Quick questions on Reactions of acids with metals, carbonates and bases explained: HSC Chemistry Module 6
15short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is reaction type 1?Show answer
General form: acid + metal -> salt + hydrogen.
What is reaction type 2?Show answer
General form: acid + carbonate -> salt + water + carbon dioxide.
What is reaction type 3?Show answer
General form: acid + hydrogencarbonate -> salt + water + carbon dioxide.
What is reaction type 4?Show answer
General form: acid + base -> salt + water.
What is writing ionic and net ionic equations?Show answer
1. Write a balanced molecular equation with state symbols. 2. Split every aqueous strong electrolyte into its ions.
What is activity series?Show answer
Only metals more reactive than hydrogen displace it from dilute acids. K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Pb (slowly) react; Cu, Ag, Au do not. Lead reacts slowly because of an insoluble lead salt coating.
What is observations?Show answer
Bubbling (hydrogen gas), the metal disappears, the solution may warm.
What is gas test?Show answer
Hydrogen gives a "pop" with a lit splint.
What is step 1: Reaction type?Show answer
Acid + metal oxide -> salt + water.
What is step 3: Full ionic equation?Show answer
Split aqueous strong electrolytes:
What is step 5: Check?Show answer
Atoms: 2 H, 1 Mg, 1 O on each side. Charge: $+2$ on each side. Balanced.
What is splitting insoluble solids?Show answer
$CaCO_3$, $MgO$, $CuO$ are all solids in the relevant equations. Do not split them into ions, even when they appear in an ionic equation.
What is forgetting the diprotic acid stoichiometry?Show answer
$H_2SO_4$ provides two protons, so reactions with monoprotic bases or hydrogencarbonates need a 2:1 ratio.
What is writing $H^+$ instead of $H_3O^+$ in ionic equations?Show answer
Both are accepted at HSC. Be consistent within an answer.
What is missing the gas test?Show answer
Markers expect students to know the limewater test for $CO_2$ and the pop test for $H_2$.