Complete the exercises below. Write a balanced equation for each of the following reactions: a. Hydrogen cyanide is formed commercially by passing a mixture of methane, ammonia, and air over a catalyst at 800 °C. Water is a by-product of the reaction. b. Baking soda reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas. c. When barium carbonate reacts in air with sulfur dioxide, barium sulfate and carbon dioxide form.

Balancing chemical equations is the process of ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product 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. A balanced equation provides a clear representation of the reactants and products involved, allowing for accurate stoichiometric calculations.

Understanding the types of chemical reactions is essential for predicting the products of a reaction. Common types include synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement reactions. For example, the reaction of baking soda with acids is a classic acid-base reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, while the reaction of barium carbonate with sulfur dioxide involves a combination of a carbonate and a sulfur dioxide, leading to the formation of sulfate and carbon dioxide.

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. In the context of the first reaction, a catalyst is used to facilitate the formation of hydrogen cyanide from methane, ammonia, and air at high temperatures. Catalysts work by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, allowing the reaction to proceed more efficiently and at lower temperatures.