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Representations of Reactions

Chemical reactions can be represented in multiple ways, each providing unique information about the reactants, products, and the reaction process.

Molecular Equations​

  • Shows all reactants and products as compounds, without breaking them into ions
  • Example: NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)

Complete Ionic Equations​

  • Shows all strong electrolytes dissociated into ions
  • Example: Na⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) + H⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) → Na⁺(aq) + Cl⁻(aq) + H₂O(l)

Net Ionic Equations​

  • Shows only the species that participate in the reaction, omitting spectator ions
  • Example: OH⁻(aq) + H⁺(aq) → H₂O(l)

Other Representations​

  • Word Equations: Reactants → Products, described in words
  • Structural Equations: Shows the arrangement of atoms in molecules
  • Balanced Equations: Ensures law of conservation of mass is satisfied

Importance​

  • Different representations help:
    • Focus on actual chemical change (net ionic)
    • Understand stoichiometry and electron transfer
    • Communicate reaction details in laboratory and theoretical work

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