Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Balancing Chemical Equations
Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas to achieve equal atom counts.
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Reactants and Products
In a chemical reaction, reactants are the starting substances that undergo a change, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction. In the given equation, calcium (Ca) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) are the reactants, and the products will depend on the reaction type. Understanding the nature of reactants and products is crucial for predicting the outcome of the reaction.
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Types of Reactions
Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement. The reaction between calcium and sulfuric acid is a single replacement reaction, where calcium displaces hydrogen in sulfuric acid, forming calcium sulfate and hydrogen gas. Recognizing the type of reaction helps in predicting the products and balancing the equation.
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