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Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions
Chapter 3, Problem 38b

Balance the following equations. (b) CaC2 + H2O → Ca(OH)2 + C2H2

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1
Identify the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation: Ca, C, H, and O.
Start by balancing the atoms that appear in the fewest compounds. In this case, balance the calcium (Ca) atoms first.
Next, balance the carbon (C) atoms. There are 2 carbon atoms in C_2H_2, so ensure there are 2 carbon atoms on the reactant side.
Balance the hydrogen (H) atoms. There are 2 hydrogen atoms in H_2O and 2 in C_2H_2, so adjust the coefficients to balance the hydrogen atoms.
Finally, balance the oxygen (O) atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms in Ca(OH)_2, so ensure the same number of oxygen atoms on the reactant side.

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Key Concepts

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 of 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. Coefficients are used to adjust the quantities of reactants and products to achieve balance.
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Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions. It allows chemists to predict the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a reaction based on balanced equations. Understanding stoichiometry is essential for accurately balancing equations and determining the relationships between different compounds.
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Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement. The reaction between calcium carbide (CaC2) and water (H2O) is a type of double replacement reaction, where the components of the reactants exchange partners. Recognizing the type of reaction helps in predicting the products and balancing the equation.
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