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We write a polyatomic ionic expression by just using the chemical symbols for the elements in the ion and a superscript following that to state the charge. Let's take a look at an example. In the strong base sodium hydroxide (NaOH), this molecule will "split" or dissociate into the ions Na+ and OH- when in water. Note the polyatomic hydroxide ion. The strong acid sulfuric acid (H2SO4) will dissociate into 2H+ and SO4-2 in water. The sulfate ion is clearly represented here. If we combine the two in a classic acid-base reaction, and we include the ionic states, we'll see a result like this: NaOH + H2SO4 => [ Na+ + OH- ] + [ 2H+ + SO4-2 ] => NaSO4 + H2O Note that this equation is notbalanced. We left that out to concentrate on writing the poly atomic ions and showing their charge. Here's the way the equation might appear in a chem text: 2NaOH + H2SO4 => Na2SO4 + 2H2O As mentioned, this is a classic acid-base reaction, and it will result in the formation of a salt and water as products.

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What numbers should not be changed to balance the equations?

Coefficients in front of chemical formulas should not be changed when balancing chemical equations. These coefficients represent the number of each molecule or atom involved in the reaction and changing them would change the stoichiometry of the reaction. Only the subscripts within chemical formulas should be adjusted to balance the equation.


What are the importance of putting a chemical equation into words?

Putting a chemical equation into words helps to describe the reactants, products, and the chemical reaction that is occurring. It allows for easier communication of the reaction process and helps in understanding the stoichiometry involved. Additionally, writing chemical equations in words helps to identify the type of reaction taking place.


What is the difference between a math equation and a chemical equation?

A math equation uses variables and numbers, while a chemical equation uses compounds and mole ratios.


How do you know if something is polyatomic?

In principle, only by comparing the chemical formula for the compound with the formulas of ions known to be polyatomic to determine whether the sequence of letters and subscript numbers (if any) in any part of the chemical formula corresponds to the sequence of letters and subscript numbers in the formula of a know polyatomic ion.


What does conservation of mass have to do with an equation?

In a chemical reaction, which is what a chemical equation represents, the numbers of atoms of each element are the same in the reactants and the products. This is because, in a chemical reaction, the atoms in the reactants are not changed, they are simply rearranged into new compounds in the products. Therefore, matter is neither created nor destroyed. This is why it's important to balance a chemical equation properly so that the numbers of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.

Related Questions

What numbers should not be changed to balance the equations?

Coefficients in front of chemical formulas should not be changed when balancing chemical equations. These coefficients represent the number of each molecule or atom involved in the reaction and changing them would change the stoichiometry of the reaction. Only the subscripts within chemical formulas should be adjusted to balance the equation.


How does oxidation numbers determine the number of atoms?

Oxidation numbers indicate the charge of an atom in a compound. By comparing the oxidation numbers of different atoms in a compound and knowing their charges, you can determine the number of atoms involved in the reaction or compound. These numbers help balance chemical equations and determine the stoichiometry of a reaction.


What are the importance of putting a chemical equation into words?

Putting a chemical equation into words helps to describe the reactants, products, and the chemical reaction that is occurring. It allows for easier communication of the reaction process and helps in understanding the stoichiometry involved. Additionally, writing chemical equations in words helps to identify the type of reaction taking place.


What is ionic?

Ionic equations are a special type of chemical equations that demonstrate the changes in oxidation numbers in particular ions.


What are used to balance chemical equations?

Coefficients are used to balance chemical equations. These numbers are placed in front of the chemical formulas to ensure that the number of atoms on both sides of the equation are equal.


What is the code used in chemical equations telling what atoms are part of the equation?

The chemical formula indicates the types and quantities of atoms in a molecule or compound. Each element is represented by its symbol, with subscript numbers indicating the number of atoms present. When writing chemical equations, reactants and products are connected by plus and arrow symbols to show the transformation of atoms during a chemical reaction.


Why is net ionic communicate more than chemical equations?

The net ionic equations only represent the substances that make a change in the oxidation numbers, whereas a chemical equation shows all substances even they do not differ during the reaction.


What is the difference between a math equation and a chemical equation?

A math equation uses variables and numbers, while a chemical equation uses compounds and mole ratios.


How do you know if something is polyatomic?

In principle, only by comparing the chemical formula for the compound with the formulas of ions known to be polyatomic to determine whether the sequence of letters and subscript numbers (if any) in any part of the chemical formula corresponds to the sequence of letters and subscript numbers in the formula of a know polyatomic ion.


What does conservation of mass have to do with an equation?

In a chemical reaction, which is what a chemical equation represents, the numbers of atoms of each element are the same in the reactants and the products. This is because, in a chemical reaction, the atoms in the reactants are not changed, they are simply rearranged into new compounds in the products. Therefore, matter is neither created nor destroyed. This is why it's important to balance a chemical equation properly so that the numbers of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.


The balancing of chemical equations is dictated by?

Chemical equations usually do not come already balanced. A balanced equation has equal numbers of each type of atom on each side of the equation.A chemical equation is balanced by balancing the number of atoms on products and reactants side.


What chemical equation has equal numbers of reactant and product atoms?

Any chemical reaction.