Question

Predict What type of product would the following reaction be most likely to produce? Explain your reasoning. $$\mathrm{Ba}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}(\mathrm{aq})+2 \mathrm{HCl}(\mathrm{aq}) \rightarrow$$

Short answer

The reaction between Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an acid-base reaction, also known as a neutralization reaction. The products of such a reaction are typically water and a salt. In this case, the salt is Barium chloride (BaCl₂). Therefore, the type of product most likely to be produced in this reaction is a salt.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the reactants

: First, we need to identify the reactants in the given equation. In this case, the reactants are Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Identify the reaction type

: Now that we have identified the reactants, let's determine the type of reaction. The reaction appears to be between a strong base, Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂), and a strong acid, Hydrochloric acid (HCl). This reaction is primarily an acid-base reaction, also known as a neutralization reaction, where an acid reacts with a base to form water and a salt.

Predict the products and balance the equation

: Knowing that this is an acid-base reaction, we can predict the products to be water (H₂O) and a salt. In this case, the salt is formed by the combination of the metal from the base (Barium, Ba) and the non-metal from the acid (Chlorine, Cl). The resulting salt will be Barium chloride (BaCl₂). The balanced equation for this reaction is: \[Ba(OH)_2(aq) + 2HCl(aq) \rightarrow BaCl_2(aq) + 2H_2O(l)\]

Identify the type of product most likely to be produced

: Given that the reaction is an acid-base reaction, the products are water and a salt (in this case, Barium chloride). Therefore, the type of product most likely to be produced in this reaction is a salt.

Key concepts

Neutralization Reactions

When an acid and a base combine, the result is what we call a neutralization reaction. This specific type of chemical reaction is vital to understanding because it commonly occurs both in laboratory settings and in our everyday lives. For example, when you take an antacid to counteract stomach acid, a neutralization reaction is at play.

Neutralization reactions generally result in the production of water and a salt. This is because the hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid react with the hydroxide ions (OH^-) from the base to form water (H₂O). The remaining ions from the acid and base then combine to form a salt. In the classroom exercise, Barium hydroxide, a base, reacts with Hydrochloric acid to produce Barium chloride (the salt) and water. This reaction is fundamental in chemistry, representing a perfect example of how two seemingly harsh substances can produce benign products.

Predicting Reaction Products

Predicting the products of a chemical reaction requires understanding the reactants and the type of reaction they undergo. In the case of neutralization, we can anticipate the products will be a salt and water. Here's a simplified approach:

• Identify the type of reactants: In the example, we have Barium hydroxide, which is a base, and Hydrochloric acid, an acid.
• Recognize the reaction type: When an acid and base react, it’s a neutralization reaction.
• Combine the ions: Barium (Ba²⁺) from the base will pair with the Chloride (Cl^-) from the acid to form Barium chloride (BaCl₂).
• Account for remaining ions: The Hydrogen (H⁺) from the acid and the Hydroxide (OH^-) from the base form water (H₂O).

We can confidently predict that the products of Barium hydroxide reacting with Hydrochloric acid will therefore be Barium chloride and water.

Chemical Equation Balancing

Writing a balanced chemical equation is an essential skill in chemistry. Balancing the equation makes sure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation, obeying the Law of Conservation of Mass. To balance an equation, follow these steps:

• Write the unbalanced equation with the known reactants and products.
• List the number of atoms of each element present in the reactants and products.
• Adjust coefficients—the numbers before the formulas—to balance the atoms on both sides. Start with the element that appears the most complex or in the least amount of substances.
• Check your work to ensure all atoms balance and that you have the simplest whole number ratio of coefficients.

In the provided exercise, we adjusted the coefficients to get 2 moles of Hydrochloric acid reacting with 1 mole of Barium hydroxide, producing 1 mole of Barium chloride and 2 moles of water, thereby conserving mass and charge in the reaction equation.