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General Chemistry: Solutions and Aqueous Reactions

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Terms in this set (26)

  • What is a solution?
    A homogeneous mixture where the composition is uniform throughout.
  • Define solvent and solute.
    The solvent is the majority component in a solution; the solute is the minority component.
  • What happens when an ionic compound dissolves in water?
    The compound dissociates into individual ions, which are surrounded and stabilized by water molecules.
  • What is an electrolyte?
    A substance that dissociates into ions in water, producing a solution that conducts electricity.
  • Difference between strong and weak electrolytes?
    A strong electrolyte dissociates completely; a weak electrolyte dissociates partially in water.
  • What is a nonelectrolyte?
    A substance that dissolves in water but does not dissociate into ions, so the solution does not conduct electricity.
  • What does solubility mean?
    Soluble compounds dissolve well in a solvent; insoluble compounds do not dissolve appreciably.
  • How is molarity defined?
    Molarity (M) = moles of solute divided by liters of solution.
  • How to calculate moles from molarity and volume?
    Moles = molarity × volume (in liters).
  • What is the dilution equation?
    \(M_1V_1 = M_2V_2\), relating initial and final molarity and volume.
  • What is a precipitation reaction?
    A reaction where two aqueous ionic solutions form an insoluble solid (precipitate).
  • How to predict precipitation reactions?
    Identify ions, exchange partners, write formulas, check solubility rules, and write products with states.
  • What are spectator ions?
    Ions that do not participate in the reaction and appear unchanged on both sides of the ionic equation.
  • Difference between molecular, complete ionic, and net ionic equations?
    Molecular shows compounds intact; complete ionic shows all ions; net ionic removes spectator ions.
  • Arrhenius definition of acids and bases?
    Acids produce H+ ions; bases produce OH- ions in aqueous solution.
  • Bronsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases?
    Acids are proton donors; bases are proton acceptors.
  • What is a strong acid or base?
    A substance that completely ionizes in water, acting as a strong electrolyte.
  • What is a weak acid or base?
    A substance that partially ionizes in water, acting as a weak electrolyte.
  • What is a polyprotic acid?
    An acid that can donate more than one proton (H+) per molecule.
  • What is a neutralization reaction?
    An acid and base react to form water and a salt.
  • What are gas-forming reactions?
    Reactions where acids react with sulfides, sulfites, or carbonates to produce gases like H2S, SO2, or CO2.
  • Define oxidation and reduction.
    Oxidation is loss of electrons; reduction is gain of electrons.
  • What is the mnemonic for oxidation and reduction?
    LEO the lion says GER: Loss of Electrons is Oxidation, Gain of Electrons is Reduction.
  • How to assign oxidation numbers?
    Use rules: elements = 0, monatomic ions = charge, O = -2 (except peroxides), H = +1 (except hydrides), halogens usually -1.
  • What is the sum of oxidation numbers in compounds and polyatomic ions?
    Sum is zero for neutral compounds; equals the ion charge for polyatomic ions.
  • What is the oxidizing agent and reducing agent?
    Oxidizing agent causes oxidation (is reduced); reducing agent causes reduction (is oxidized).