Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

10. Acids and Bases

Acid-Base Reactions

GOB Chemistry

10. Acids and Bases

Acid-Base Reactions

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3: minutes

Problem 110

Textbook Question

Research the composition of 'smelling salts'—a product that is used to rouse people who have lost consciousness.What are the chemical reactions that generate the 'active' component?

Verified step by step guidance

Smelling salts typically contain ammonium carbonate ((NH_4)_2CO_3) as the active ingredient.

When smelling salts are exposed to air, they decompose to release ammonia (NH_3), carbon dioxide (CO_2), and water (H_2O).

The chemical reaction for the decomposition of ammonium carbonate is: (NH_4)_2CO_3 \rightarrow 2NH_3 + CO_2 + H_2O.

The ammonia gas released is the 'active' component that stimulates the nasal and respiratory membranes, causing an inhalation reflex.

This reflex increases breathing and heart rate, helping to rouse a person who has lost consciousness.

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Key Concepts

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

Ammonium Carbonate

Ammonium carbonate is a key ingredient in smelling salts, composed of ammonium and carbonate ions. When exposed to moisture, it decomposes to release ammonia gas, which is the active component that stimulates the respiratory system and helps revive someone who has fainted. This reaction is crucial for understanding how smelling salts work.

Chemical Decomposition

Chemical decomposition refers to the process where a compound breaks down into simpler substances. In the case of smelling salts, ammonium carbonate decomposes into ammonia and carbon dioxide when it reacts with water or heat. This reaction is essential for generating the active component that provides the characteristic strong odor of smelling salts.

Respiratory Stimulation

Respiratory stimulation is the physiological response triggered by inhaling strong odors, such as ammonia from smelling salts. The pungent smell irritates the mucous membranes in the nose, leading to an involuntary inhalation reflex that increases alertness and can help revive someone who has lost consciousness. Understanding this response is vital for comprehending the effectiveness of smelling salts.