Single replacement reactions involve one element replacing another element in a compound.
The general formula is:
X + YZ → Y + XZ
or
element + compound → new element + new compound
This is analogous to a person breaking in on a dancing couple.
Some lone elements are “special” and will be found as diatomics or polyatomics: H2, O2, N2, F2, Cl2, Br2, I2, P4, S.
All other elements are monatomics: Fe, Ca, Li, etc.
Remember: Elements combined in compounds use their valances to determined the ratios in a compound.
Practice Questions:
For each of the following (a) complete the word equation, (b) create a balanced equation.
(a) potassium + lithium bromide →
(b) sodium + copper (II) chloride →
(c) magnesium + aluminum nitride →
Answers:
(a) potassium + lithium bromide → potassium bromide + lithium
K + LiBr → KBr + Li
(b) sodium + copper (II) chloride → copper + sodium chloride
Na + CuCl2 → Cu + NaCl
(c) magnesium + aluminum nitride → aluminum + magnesium nitride
3Mg + 2AlN → 2Al + Mg3N2
Homework:
Answers:
