In the world of chemistry, word equations are an important way to represent chemical reactions using the names of the substances involved, rather than their chemical formulas. This approach allows us to describe a chemical change in more familiar terms.
Let’s take a closer look at the word equation for the reaction:
2Cu + O2 → 2CuO
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Copper (Cu): Copper is a well-known metal, symbolized as Cu in the periodic table. In this reaction, copper exists as a solid (Cu).
- Oxygen (O2): Oxygen is a gas (O2) and is a diatomic molecule, meaning it consists of two oxygen atoms. In this reaction, it reacts with copper.
- Copper(II) oxide (CuO): Copper(II) oxide is a chemical compound where copper is combined with oxygen. It is a black solid that forms when copper reacts with oxygen.
The Word Equation
So, putting it all together in terms of the words, the reaction described by the equation 2Cu + O2 → 2CuO can be written as:
Copper + Oxygen → Copper(II) oxide
What Happens in This Reaction?
This is an example of a simple synthesis reaction, where two reactants combine to form a product. In this case, two copper atoms (Cu) combine with one molecule of oxygen gas (O2) to produce two molecules of copper(II) oxide (CuO).
The reaction is often seen in the context of heating copper in air, where the copper reacts with the oxygen in the air to form the oxide. It’s a classic example of oxidation, where copper undergoes a chemical change by combining with oxygen.
Conclusion
The word equation for the reaction 2Cu + O2 → 2CuO is:
Copper + Oxygen → Copper(II) oxide
This simple but essential chemical reaction showcases how elements can combine to form compounds, helping to demonstrate the principles of oxidation and synthesis in chemistry.