Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition

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Brown 15th Edition

Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry

Problem 19b

Chapter 3, Problem 19b

Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when (b) barium carbonate decomposes into barium oxide and carbon dioxide gas when heated

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Identify the reactants and products in the decomposition reaction: Barium carbonate (\( \text{BaCO}_3 \)) decomposes into barium oxide (\( \text{BaO} \)) and carbon dioxide gas (\( \text{CO}_2 \)).

Write the unbalanced chemical equation for the decomposition reaction: \( \text{BaCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{BaO} + \text{CO}_2 \).

Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation to ensure they are equal. In this case, there is 1 barium (Ba), 1 carbon (C), and 3 oxygen (O) atoms on both sides.

Since the number of each type of atom is already equal on both sides, the equation is balanced as written.

The balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of barium carbonate is: \( \text{BaCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{BaO} + \text{CO}_2 \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Decomposition Reactions

Decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler products. In this case, barium carbonate decomposes when heated, which is a common type of reaction where heat provides the energy needed to break chemical bonds.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is essential to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning the number of atoms for each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. This involves adjusting coefficients in front of compounds to achieve equal numbers of each type of atom.

Products of Decomposition

In the decomposition of barium carbonate, the products are barium oxide and carbon dioxide. Understanding the nature of these products is crucial, as it helps in predicting the behavior of the reaction and the physical states of the substances involved, which are solid for barium oxide and gas for carbon dioxide.

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