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Chapter 4: Problem 4

What is the difference between the following symbols in chemical equations: \(\longrightarrow\) and \(\rightleftharpoons ?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
In chemistry, the symbol \(\longrightarrow\) is used to denote a complete or irreversible reaction where reactants convert entirely into the products with no reverse reaction. On the other hand, the symbol \(\rightleftharpoons\) represents equilibrium reactions, where reactants and products convert into each other at the same rate, resulting in unchanging concentrations.

Step by step solution

01

Explaining the meaning of the symbol \(\longrightarrow\)

In chemical equations, the symbol \(\longrightarrow\) is used to denote a complete or irreversible reaction. These reactions are ones where reactants convert entirely into products, and there's no reverse reaction.
02

Explaining the meaning of the symbol \(\rightleftharpoons\)

The symbol \(\rightleftharpoons\) thoughtfully represents equilibrium reactions. These are reactions in which the conversion from reactants to products and products to reactants occur simultaneously. Thus, an equilibrium state is defined as a dynamic state where the concentrations of reactants and products are unchanging.
03

Contrasting the two symbols

These two symbols - \(\longrightarrow\) and \(\rightleftharpoons\) - represent significantly different scenarios in chemical reactions. The first one, \(\longrightarrow\), depicts a one-way, complete transformation of reactants into products. In contrast, the second symbol, \(\rightleftharpoons\), illustrates a dynamic state of balance between reactants and products.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A \(5.00 \times 10^{2}-\mathrm{mL}\) sample of \(2.00 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\) solution is treated with \(4.47 \mathrm{~g}\) of magnesium. Calculate the concentration of the acid solution after all the metal has reacted. Assume that the volume remains unchanged.

Ammonium nitrate \(\left(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)\) is one of the most important nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Its purity can be analyzed by titrating a solution of \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{NO}_{3}\) with a standard \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) solution. In one experiment a \(0.2041-\mathrm{g}\) sample of industrially prepared \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{NO}_{3}\) required \(24.42 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.1023 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NaOH}\) for neutralization. (a) Write a net ionic equation for the reaction. (b) What is the percent purity of the sample?

For the complete redox reactions given here, (i) break down each reaction into its half-reactions; (ii) identify the oxidizing agent; (iii) identify the reducing agent. (a) \(2 \mathrm{Sr}+\mathrm{O}_{2} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{SrO}\) (b) \(2 \mathrm{Li}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{LiH}\) (c) \(2 \mathrm{Cs}+\mathrm{Br}_{2} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{CsBr}\) (d) \(3 \mathrm{Mg}+\mathrm{N}_{2} \longrightarrow \mathrm{Mg}_{3} \mathrm{~N}_{2}\)

You are given two colorless solutions, one containing \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) and the other sucrose \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{12} \mathrm{H}_{22} \mathrm{O}_{11}\right) .\) Suggest a chemical and a physical test that would distinguish between these two solutions.

If \(30.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.150 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{CaCl}_{2}\) is added to \(15.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.100 \mathrm{MAgNO}_{3}\), what is the mass in grams of \(\mathrm{AgCl}\) precipitate?
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