Question

\(\mathrm{CaH}_{2}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}+\mathrm{H}_{2}\)

Short answer

In the given balanced chemical equation, calcium hydride (\(\mathrm{CaH}_{2}\)) reacts with water (\(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)) to form calcium hydroxide (\(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\)) and hydrogen gas (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\)). This is an acid-base reaction, where calcium hydride acts as a strong base and water as a weak acid. The overall process involves the transfer of protons from water to calcium hydride, releasing hydrogen gas. This reaction has practical applications such as using calcium hydride as a drying agent for gases and solvents.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the reactants

The reactants in this balanced chemical equation are calcium hydride (\(\mathrm{CaH}_{2}\)) and water (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}\)). These are the compounds that will react with each other to form new products.

Identify the products

After the reaction takes place, we have two products: calcium hydroxide (\(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\)) and hydrogen gas (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\)). Calcium hydroxide is a strong base while hydrogen gas is a highly reactive element.

Analyze the reaction

This chemical equation represents an acid-base reaction. Calcium hydride is a strong base that reacts with water (which acts as a weak acid in this case) to form calcium hydroxide (a strong base) and hydrogen gas. The overall process of this reaction can be understood as the transfer of protons (\(\mathrm{H}^{+}\)) from water to the calcium hydride, releasing the hydrogen gas.

Understand the practical applications

This reaction is important in various practical applications. For instance, calcium hydride is used as a drying agent for gases and solvents, as it reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas, which can then be easily removed. Additionally, this reaction demonstrates the basic properties of metal hydrides and their ability to react with water or other acids.

Key concepts

Understanding Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions are an essential type of chemical reaction that involve the transfer of protons (\(\mathrm{H}^{+}\)) between reactants. In the given equation, calcium hydride (\(\mathrm{CaH}_{2}\)) acts as a base, and water (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}\)) acts as an acid. Even though water is typically neutral, it can behave as a weak acid in certain reactions, like this one.
When these two substances react, calcium hydride accepts protons from water, forming calcium hydroxide (\(\mathrm{Ca(OH)}_{2}\)) and releasing hydrogen gas (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\)). The exchange of protons is what drives the reaction.
The concept of acid-base reactions helps us understand how substances can neutralize each other, leading to the formation of different compounds. It's vital in chemistry because it explains a fundamental interaction between chemicals.

Recognizing Reactants and Products

Every chemical reaction consists of reactants and products. Reactants are substances that start the chemical process, while products are the outcome of the reaction.
In the given exercise, calcium hydride (\(\mathrm{CaH}_{2}\)) and water (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}\)) are the reactants. They undergo a chemical change to produce calcium hydroxide (\(\mathrm{Ca(OH)}_{2}\)) and hydrogen gas (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\)) as products. Identifying these components is crucial for balancing equations and predicting reaction outcomes.
Understanding reactants and products also helps in determining the properties of the substances involved. For instance, calcium hydroxide formed in the reaction is a strong base, useful in various applications, while hydrogen gas is known for its reactivity and potential uses in energy.

Exploring Practical Applications of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions have a myriad of practical applications that enhance our lives. The reaction between calcium hydride and water is no exception.
One notable application is using calcium hydride as a drying agent. It is effective because it reacts with any present water, producing hydrogen gas that can easily be removed, leaving behind dry environments. This property is useful in laboratories and industries where moisture must be controlled.
Another application is in hydrogen production. The hydrogen gas released in this reaction can be harnessed as a clean energy source. Furthermore, these reactions help us understand and utilize the basic properties of metal hydrides, expanding the possibilities in chemical and engineering applications.

• Moisture control – used as a drying agent
• Hydrogen production – a potential energy source
• Understanding metal hydrides – insights for further innovations