Question

Give complete balanced reaction for the following: (a) Action of dilute and conc. nitric acid on tin. (b) Action of cold and conc. \(\mathrm{HCl}\) on lead (c) Action of sodium hydroxide on SuCl, (d) Action of water on \(\mathrm{Al}_{4} \mathrm{C}_{3}\)

Short answer

a) \(4\mathrm{HNO}_3 + \mathrm{Sn} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{SnO}_2 + 4\mathrm{NO}_2\) and \(6\mathrm{HNO}_3 + \mathrm{Sn} \rightarrow 4\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{SnO}_3 + 4\mathrm{NO}_2\)\n b) \(\mathrm{Pb} + 2\mathrm{HCl} \rightarrow \mathrm{PbCl}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2\) and \(\mathrm{Pb} + 4\mathrm{HCl} \rightarrow \mathrm{PbCl}_4 + 2\mathrm{H}_2\)\n c) \(\mathrm{SuCl} + 2\mathrm{NaOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{Su} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{Cl}_2\) or if SuCl is a typo then \( \mathrm{CuCl}_2 + 2\mathrm{NaOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CuO}_2 + 2\mathrm{HCl}\)\n d) \(\mathrm{Al}_{4} \mathrm{C}_{3} + 12\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow 4\mathrm{Al(OH)}_3 + 3\mathrm{CH}_4\)

Step-by-step solution

Reaction of nitric acid on tin

Write the chemical reactions of dilute and concentrated nitric acid respectively with tin: \(4\mathrm{HNO}_3 + \mathrm{Sn} \rightarrow \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{SnO}_2 + 4\mathrm{NO}_2\) (for dilute nitric acid) and \(6\mathrm{HNO}_3 + \mathrm{Sn} \rightarrow 4\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{SnO}_3 + 4\mathrm{NO}_2\) (for concentrated nitric acid).

Reaction of hydrochloric acid on lead

Write the chemical reactions of cold and concentrated HCl with lead: \(\mathrm{Pb} + 2\mathrm{HCl} \rightarrow \mathrm{PbCl}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2\) (for cold and dilute) and \(\mathrm{Pb} + 4\mathrm{HCl} \rightarrow \mathrm{PbCl}_4 + 2\mathrm{H}_2\) (for concentrated HCl).

Reaction of sodium hydroxide on SuCl

Write down the chemical reaction between sodium hydroxide and SuCl: \(\mathrm{SuCl} + 2\mathrm{NaOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{Su} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{Cl}_2\). It is important to note that it was not possible to find the correct formula for 'SuCl' it seems to be a typo or an unknown compound. Assuming it is a typo and correcting it to 'CuCl' the reaction would be \( \mathrm{CuCl}_2 + 2\mathrm{NaOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CuO}_2 + 2\mathrm{HCl}\)

Reaction of water on \(\mathrm{Al}_{4} \mathrm{C}_{3}\)

Write down the chemical reaction between water and \(\mathrm{Al}_{4} \mathrm{C}_{3}\): \(\mathrm{Al}_{4} \mathrm{C}_{3} + 12\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightarrow 4\mathrm{Al(OH)}_3 + 3\mathrm{CH}_4\)

Key concepts

Balancing Equations

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial skill in understanding chemical reactions. In a balanced equation, the number of atoms for each element involved in the reaction is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This follows the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

• Identify each compound involved in the reaction and write the unbalanced equation.
• Count the number of atoms for each element present on both sides of the equation.
• Adjust coefficients, starting with the most complex molecule, to balance the atoms for each element.
• Re-check all elements to ensure the equation is balanced.

For example, when balancing the reaction of tin with nitric acid, one must consider the different states of the substances involved, such as diluteness or concentration, which affects the products formed. Understanding the context of the reaction is just as important as the balancing itself.

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry deals with compounds that are not based on hydrogen-carbon bonds. It encompasses a variety of substances, ranging from metals to ionic compounds.
Common examples of inorganic reactions include the interaction of metals with acids and bases, such as the action of nitric acid on tin or hydrochloric acid on lead. These reactions often involve oxidation-reduction processes, where the metal might lose electrons and get oxidized while the acid is reduced.
For example, tin reacting with nitric acid undergoes a redox reaction. Tin is oxidized to tin oxide, while nitric acid is reduced to nitrogen dioxide. Understanding electron transfer in these reactions is crucial for mastering inorganic chemistry concepts.

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions are a foundational concept in chemistry, involving the transfer of protons from acids to bases. They play a pivotal role not only in inorganic chemistry but also in various biological and industrial processes.
When dealing with acid-base reactions:

• Acids are proton donors, while bases are proton acceptors.
• The strength of an acid or base is determined by its ability to dissociate in solution.
• Neutralization reactions occur when an acid and a base react to form water and a salt.

For instance, sodium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid in a classic acid-base reaction, producing water and sodium chloride. Similarly, aluminum carbide reacts with water, forming aluminum hydroxide and methane, showcasing a complex acid-base interaction that involves decomposition of an ionic compound by water.