In my lab we reacted Ca with water. Then were asked to write the balanced chemical equation (Ca+2H2O--Ca(OH)2 +H2). Then it asked me to explain how my observations support this equation?? I'm really not sure on this .. can someone give me an idea to start with?

Question

In my lab we reacted Ca with water. Then were asked to write the balanced chemical equation (Ca+2H2O-->Ca(OH)2 +H2). Then it asked me to explain how my observations support this equation?? I'm really not sure on this .. can someone give me an idea to start with?

anonymous · Answer

Did you observe any gas formation during the reaction?

anonymous · Answer

I was thinking that maybe I could type something like this: 
This equation supports the reaction because it is a very exothermic reaction(causing bubbles and releasing gas). Since we know that CaOH2 is an aqueous solution and H2 is gas this could support our equation

anonymous · Answer

Ya. Well... there were bubbles of gas coming to the top and popping.

anonymous · Answer

Any chance you were able to analyze the water to determine Ca(OH)2 formation?

anonymous · Answer

Other than possibly by pH?

anonymous · Answer

No. All we did was watch the reaction

anonymous · Answer

Ok. then you would be correct to indicate that visual observation of the reaction was the violent popping of Ca as well as the gas formation (bubbles) of H2.

anonymous · Answer

Okay. Thank you. I get so confused in lab. *sigh* ... I'm not a chemist. Lol. Even though I do enjoy the subject.