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Ch.7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 7, Problem 65a,b,d

Write balanced equations for the following reactions: (a) boron trichloride with water (b) cobalt (II) oxide with nitric acid (d) carbon dioxide with aqueous barium hydroxide.

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Identify the reactants: Boron trichloride (BCl3) and water (H2O).
Write the unbalanced chemical equation: BCl3 + H2O → ?
Determine the products: Boron trichloride reacts with water to form boric acid (H3BO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Write the unbalanced equation with products: BCl3 + H2O → H3BO3 + HCl
Balance the equation: Start by balancing boron and chlorine atoms, then hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Adjust coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom 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.

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions involve the transformation of reactants into products through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Understanding the types of reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, and displacement, is essential for predicting the products and writing balanced equations.
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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, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. This process often involves adjusting coefficients in front of compounds to achieve balance without altering the actual compounds involved.
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Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H⁺ ions) between reactants. In the case of boron trichloride (BCl₃) reacting with water, it acts as a Lewis acid, accepting a pair of electrons from water, which can lead to the formation of boric acid and hydrochloric acid, illustrating the interaction between acids and bases.
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