View Full Version : Chemistry- word equations/chemical equations ?
pioneerman
Feb 22, 2009, 02:24 PM
I need help on writing chemistry word equations and skeleton equations. PLEASE include a step by step guide on how I am supposed to write the word equation, explain in simple english. ALSO A STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO WRITE SKELETON EQUATIONS. Thank you
EXAMPLE:
Magnesium metal and water combine to form solid magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
please write the word equation and skeleton equation.:):eek:
Perito
Feb 22, 2009, 02:57 PM
We won't do your homework for you -- that would prevent you from learning. However, I'll help you out.
What is the symbol for Magnesium metal? Mg
What is the formula for Water? H2O
What is the formula for Hydrogen? H2
What is the formula for Magnesium Hydroxide? Mg(OH)2
you can look all of those up on Wikipedia
You have the "word equation"
Magnesium metal and water combine to form solid magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
So, simply read the sentence and write it out:
Mg + H2O = Mg(OH)2 + H2
Now you have to balance it. The magnesium atoms are already balanced. Add water to balance the OH, then multiply the H2 by enough to balance the hydrogens (note you have hydrogens somewhere else so include them in the count).
nikrob05
Dec 8, 2010, 12:16 PM
Potassium iodide reacts with bromine forming potassium bromide plus iodide