Identifying the Common Element

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 89 views

Understanding the Problem

Jason is faced with a challenge in combining two intermediate steps of a chemical reaction. The given equations are:

{ \begin{array}{l} N_2(g) + O_2(g) \longrightarrow 2 NO(g) \\ 2 NO(g) + O_2(g) \longrightarrow NO_2(g) \end{array} \}

Analyzing the Equations

To determine what Jason should do with the oxygen molecules, we need to analyze the given equations. The first equation shows the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen molecules to form nitric oxide (NO). The second equation shows the reaction of nitric oxide and oxygen molecules to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Identifying the Common Element

The common element in both equations is oxygen (O2). In the first equation, oxygen is a reactant, while in the second equation, it is also a reactant. However, in the second equation, oxygen is in a different form, as it is part of the nitric oxide (NO) molecule.

Determining the Correct Combination

To combine the two equations, Jason needs to identify the correct relationship between the oxygen molecules in both equations. The correct combination would involve canceling out the oxygen molecules that appear on both sides of the equations.

Step 1: Canceling Out the Oxygen Molecules

Let's start by canceling out the oxygen molecules that appear on both sides of the equations. In the first equation, there is one oxygen molecule on the reactant side and two oxygen molecules on the product side. In the second equation, there is one oxygen molecule on the reactant side and one oxygen molecule on the product side.

Step 2: Identifying the Correct Relationship

To combine the two equations, Jason needs to identify the correct relationship between the oxygen molecules in both equations. The correct relationship would involve canceling out the oxygen molecules that appear on both sides of the equations.

Step 3: Combining the Equations

Once Jason has identified the correct relationship between the oxygen molecules, he can combine the two equations. The resulting equation would show the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen molecules to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

The Correct Combination

The correct combination of the two equations is:

{ \begin{array}{l} N_2(g) + 2 O_2(g) \longrightarrow 2 NO_2(g) \end{array} \}

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jason should combine the two intermediate steps by canceling out the oxygen molecules that appear on both sides of the equations. The resulting equation would show the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen molecules to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Key Takeaways

To combine chemical equations, identify the common element and determine the correct relationship between the reactants and products.
Cancel out the reactants and products that appear on both sides of the equations.
The resulting equation should show the reaction of the remaining reactants to form the desired product.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to identify the common element and determine the correct relationship between the reactants and products.
Not canceling out the reactants and products that appear on both sides of the equations.
Not checking the resulting equation for accuracy and completeness.

Real-World Applications

Combining chemical equations is a crucial skill in chemistry, as it allows chemists to predict the outcomes of chemical reactions and design new reactions. This skill is essential in various fields, including:

Synthetic Chemistry: Combining chemical equations is crucial in synthetic chemistry, where chemists design and synthesize new compounds.
Catalysis: Combining chemical equations is essential in catalysis, where chemists design and develop catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.
Environmental Chemistry: Combining chemical equations is crucial in environmental chemistry, where chemists study the impact of chemical reactions on the environment.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of combining chemical equations?

A: The purpose of combining chemical equations is to predict the outcomes of chemical reactions and design new reactions. By combining equations, chemists can identify the reactants and products involved in a reaction and determine the overall equation for the reaction.

Q: How do I combine chemical equations?

A: To combine chemical equations, follow these steps:

Identify the common element in both equations.
Determine the correct relationship between the reactants and products in both equations.
Cancel out the reactants and products that appear on both sides of the equations.
The resulting equation should show the reaction of the remaining reactants to form the desired product.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when combining chemical equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when combining chemical equations include:

Failing to identify the common element and determine the correct relationship between the reactants and products.
Not canceling out the reactants and products that appear on both sides of the equations.
Not checking the resulting equation for accuracy and completeness.

Q: How do I determine the correct relationship between the reactants and products in both equations?

A: To determine the correct relationship between the reactants and products in both equations, follow these steps:

Identify the reactants and products in both equations.
Determine the coefficients of the reactants and products in both equations.
Use the coefficients to determine the correct relationship between the reactants and products.

Q: What are some real-world applications of combining chemical equations?

A: Some real-world applications of combining chemical equations include:

Synthetic Chemistry: Combining chemical equations is crucial in synthetic chemistry, where chemists design and synthesize new compounds.
Catalysis: Combining chemical equations is essential in catalysis, where chemists design and develop catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.
Environmental Chemistry: Combining chemical equations is crucial in environmental chemistry, where chemists study the impact of chemical reactions on the environment.

Q: How do I check the accuracy and completeness of the resulting equation?

A: To check the accuracy and completeness of the resulting equation, follow these steps:

Verify that the reactants and products in the resulting equation are correct.
Check that the coefficients of the reactants and products in the resulting equation are correct.
Use the resulting equation to predict the outcomes of the reaction and compare the results to experimental data.

Q: What are some common tools and techniques used to combine chemical equations?

A: Some common tools and techniques used to combine chemical equations include:

Balancing Equations: Balancing equations is a technique used to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Coefficient Manipulation: Coefficient manipulation is a technique used to adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products in an equation to achieve the desired balance.
Equation Simplification: Equation simplification is a technique used to simplify complex equations by canceling out unnecessary terms.

Q: How do I apply combining chemical equations to real-world problems?

A: To apply combining chemical equations to real-world problems, follow these steps:

Identify the reactants and products involved in the reaction.
Determine the overall equation for the reaction.
Use the resulting equation to predict the outcomes of the reaction and design new reactions.
Compare the results to experimental data and refine the equation as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, combining chemical equations is a critical skill in chemistry that requires careful analysis and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, chemists can predict the outcomes of chemical reactions and design new reactions. This skill is essential in various fields, including synthetic chemistry, catalysis, and environmental chemistry.