Question

What are the steps involved in writing the skeletal equation?

Answer 1

The following are the steps involved in writing the skeletal equation:

1. Write the symbols and formula of each of the reactants on the left-hand side (LHS) and join them by a plus (+) sign.
2. Follow them by an arrow (→) which is interpreted as gives or forms.
3. Write on the right-hand side (RHS) of the arrow the symbols and formula for each of the products.
4. The equation thus written is called a skeleton equation (unbalanced equation).
5. If the product is a gas it should be represented by an upward arrow (↑) and if it is a precipitate it should be represented by a downward arrow (↓).
6. Example: Mg + H₂SO₂ → MgSO₄ + H₂ ↑