Write a balanced equation for each of the following reactions:

b. Upon heating, boric acid undergoes a condensation reaction to form tetraboric acid.

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Identify the chemical formula for boric acid, which is \( \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 \).

Recognize that tetraboric acid is formed from boric acid through a condensation reaction, which involves the removal of water molecules.

Write the general form of the reaction: \( 4 \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{B}_4\text{O}_7 + 5 \text{H}_2\text{O} \).

Verify that the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation to ensure it is balanced.

Check that the total number of boron, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms are equal 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.

Condensation Reaction

A condensation reaction is a chemical process where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, releasing a small molecule, often water, as a byproduct. In the case of boric acid forming tetraboric acid, the reaction involves the loss of water as boric acid molecules link together, resulting in a more complex structure.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is the process of ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is crucial for obeying the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Each side of the equation must reflect the same total number of each type of atom.

Boric Acid and Tetraboric Acid

Boric acid (H3BO3) is a weak acid that can undergo polymerization to form tetraboric acid (B4O7(OH)2), which contains multiple boron atoms. Understanding the structural differences and the molecular formula of these compounds is essential for writing the correct balanced equation, as it highlights how the condensation process alters the molecular composition.