Reactivity & Predicting Projects

Introduction

Just because you mix chemicals together, does not mean they are going to react. In some cases, energy has to be added (combustion reactions) or, in other cases, reactions do not occur at all. Now we are going to learn to predict which substances will react with each other and which substances do not produce a chemical reaction.

The Law of Conservation of Mass & Balancing Equations

This segment of GPB's Chemistry Matters examines reactivity and predicting the products of chemical reactions by performing labs looking at metal reactivity and solubility with double displacement reactions.

Download the note taking guide for Chemistry Matters Unit 5 Segment C.

Download the key to the questions to consider for Chemistry Matters Unit 5 Segment C.

Metal Activity Series

This image shows the most reactive metals also non metal activity also.

Single Replacement Reactions Activity

Predicting Products

In a common synthesis reaction, sodium metal is lowered into a bottle of chlorine gas. Predict the product, substitute symbols and formulas for names, and then balance the equation. Be sure to use abbreviations to denote physical states.

Solution: 2Na(s) + Cl2(g) -- 2NaCl(s) Starting with two single elements, the substances combine in a SINGLE REPLACEMENT reaction to form Sodium Chloride.

Aluminum sulfate and calcium hydroxide are used in a water purification process. When each is dissolved in water, they react to produce two insoluble products. Predict the products, substitute symbols and formulas for names, and then balance the equation. Be sure to use abbreviations to denote physical states.

Solution: Al₂(SO₄)₃(aq)+3Ca(OH)₂ (aq) -- 3CaSO₄ (s)+2Al(OH)₃ (s) Starting with two compounds, the elements react in a double displacement reaction forming two insoluble (solid) products.

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