Question

Pure silicon, which is needed in the manufacturing of electronic components, may be prepared by heating silicon dioxide (sand) with carbon at high temperatures, releasing carbon monoxide gas. Write the unbalanced chemical equation for this process.

Short answer

The unbalanced chemical equation for the given process is: \(SiO_{2} + C \rightarrow Si + CO\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the chemical formulas of reactants and products

In this process, the reactants are silicon dioxide (sand) and carbon, while the products are pure silicon and carbon monoxide gas. The chemical formulas of these compounds are as follows: - Silicon dioxide (sand): SiO₂ - Carbon: C - Pure silicon: Si - Carbon monoxide gas: CO

Write the unbalanced chemical equation

Now, we need to write the unbalanced chemical equation for the given process. The reactants, silicon dioxide and carbon, will be on the left side of the equation, while the products, pure silicon and carbon monoxide gas, will be on the right side of the equation. Here is the unbalanced chemical equation: \(SiO_{2} + C \rightarrow Si + CO\)

Key concepts

Silicon Dioxide

Silicon dioxide, commonly known as sand, is a chemical compound composed of silicon and oxygen. Its chemical formula is \(SiO_2\).
Silicon dioxide plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of electronic components due to its insulating properties. That means it doesn't allow electricity to pass through it, which is fundamental in creating various electronics.
When used in chemical reactions, silicon dioxide acts as a source of pure silicon. Pure silicon is used extensively in making semiconductors, which are the building blocks of modern electronics like computers and smartphones.

• Silicon dioxide is abundant in nature, making it a convenient resource for industrial processes.
• Its chemical structure includes one silicon atom and two oxygen atoms, making it reasonably stable at common temperatures on Earth.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, which makes it particularly dangerous. It is formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.
In chemical reactions, carbon monoxide acts as a reducing agent. This means it can donate electrons to other substances, making it essential in industrial processes for extracting metals from ores.
In the chemical equation of the process described in the original exercise, carbon monoxide is a product, represented with the chemical formula \(CO\).

• Carbon monoxide plays crucial roles in various chemical manufacturing steps by altering the oxygen content in substances.
• It's vital to handle carbon monoxide carefully due to its harmful nature upon inhalation.

Balancing Equations

Balancing chemical equations is a fundamental skill in chemistry. It involves ensuring that the number of each type of atom on the left-hand side (reactants) of the equation is equal to the number on the right-hand side (products). This reflects the conservation of mass, a basic concept that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
To balance an equation, one should:

• Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.
• Add coefficients in front of compounds to make the number of atoms equal on both sides.
• Re-check all elements to ensure both sides are balanced.

When balancing, it's important not to change the chemical formulas of the substances involved; only the coefficients in front of the compounds are adjusted.
A balanced version of the equation \(SiO_2 + C \rightarrow Si + CO\) would typically include coefficients that equate the atoms on both sides, although as given, further adjustment is necessary to ensure complete balance. Understanding and practicing this skill aids in accurately predicting the outcomes of chemical reactions.