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Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions
Chapter 3, Problem 42c

Balance the following equations. (c) NH4ClO4 + Al → Al2O3 + N2 + Cl2 + H2O

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Write down the unbalanced chemical equation: NH_4ClO_4 + Al → Al_2O_3 + N_2 + Cl_2 + H_2O.
List the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation to identify which elements are unbalanced.
Start by balancing the metals: Balance the aluminum (Al) atoms by ensuring the number of Al atoms on the reactant side equals the number on the product side.
Balance the non-metals: Balance the nitrogen (N), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O) atoms by adjusting coefficients as needed.
Finally, balance the hydrogen (H) atoms by adjusting the coefficient of H_2O, and check that all elements are balanced.

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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 achieved by adjusting the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas. The law of conservation of mass dictates that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, thus requiring balanced equations.
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Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the quantitative relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It allows chemists to calculate the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a reaction based on balanced equations. Understanding stoichiometry is essential for predicting yields and determining the proportions of reactants needed.
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Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement reactions. Recognizing the type of reaction can help in predicting the products and understanding the underlying mechanisms. In the given equation, the presence of aluminum and ammonium perchlorate suggests a redox reaction, where oxidation and reduction processes occur.
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