Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Chemistry X Chapter 1: Chemical Reactions and Equations Topic Writing chemical reaction Confusions and Doubts Writing reactants Writing products Common mistakes/Tips to remember concepts/Tips to reduce confusion Symbols and formulae of reactants are written on left and not on right hand side of the arrow. Reactants are separated by plus (+) sign between reactants Symbols and formulae of products are written on right hand side and not on left hand side of the arrow. Products are separated by plus (+) sign between products Do not forget to write an arrow between reactants and products Do not forget to write the conditions of the reaction on the arrow pointing from reactant to product. For example if you write a reaction of heating of sample in oxygen then write symbol on arrow.
2ZnS + 3O 2 2ZnO + 2SO 2 Evolution of gas Remember gas always rises up goes out of the reaction flask. Hence it is shown by an upward arrow ( ) For example in the reaction shown below evolution of SO2 is shown by upward arrow.

Arrow

Conditions of the reaction

Condition of heating

Formation of precipitate

Exothermic reactions Endothermic reactions

2ZnS + 3O 2 2ZnO + 2SO 2 Since precipitates are heavy they settle down. Hence formation of precipitates is shown by a downward arrow ( ). For example : AgNO3 (aq) + KCl (aq) AgCl (s) + KNO3 (aq) In exothermic reactions heat is liberated.

Always remember exo means out. In endothermic reactions heat is required for reaction. Always remember endo means in.

Balancing a chemical reaction Types of reactions Combination reactions and decomposition reactions

Always count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of arrow of reaction. If they are not same the reaction is not balanced. Do not confuse between Combination reactions and decomposition reactions. In combination reactions remember the word combin meaning reactants combine to give one product. In decomposition reaction remember the word decompose meaning a single product is decomposed or broken into smaller substances.

Decomposition reaction

Confusion of showing water level in experiment showing electrolysis of water: Remember the equation : 2H 2 O(l) 2H 2 (g) + O 2 (g) Hydrogen is formed more so it will displace more water in tube .Thus water level will be lower in tube collecting hydrogen in comparison to tube collecting oxygen. Do not confuse between double decomposition reaction and double displacement reaction. They mean same Do not confuse between oxidation and reduction reaction. Oxidation is gain of oxygen and reduction is lose of oxygen Do not confuse between oxidizing agent and reducing agent. Oxidising agent itself is reduced .Reducing agent itself is oxidized.

Double decomposition reaction Oxidation reaction and reduction reaction Oxidizing agent and reducing agent