[Aufbau89]

Hello all,  I don't really have a problem to work out.  I just need some help on identifying equations.  how do we identify which equations would be redox, or acid-base, or complex ion?

Eg. 
A strip of magnesium is added to a solution of silver nitrate.

Answer:
       Mg + Ag⁺ =>  Mg²⁺ + Ag

-what type of reaction would this be?

(I plan on using this post for a discussion; not simply a question-answer thing)

[AWK]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_reaction
http://www.chem.vt.edu/RVGS/ACT/notes/Types_of_Equations.html
http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/361.html

[Aufbau89]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_reaction
http://www.chem.vt.edu/RVGS/ACT/notes/Types_of_Equations.html
http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/361.html

*sigh*,  ok...thanks alot...why can't this forum be more fun...

[Dan]

There is little point writing an explanation of the differences between redox, adic/base, and complex ion reactions when it has been explained in thousands of books and in thousands of websites. Once you have read about it, you will be able to attempt the question, and then we can help you in detail if you need it. You will not be spoon fed, it's against forum policy.

[Aufbau89]

Ok the websites did not help much.  They were just definitions.  I want to know how to solve such equations.

I tried asking around and found some steps:
 1) figure out if any of the chemicals are soluble or not.
 2) if soluble, dissociate the chemical into its ions
 3)if the equation has the word "excess" then it is most likely a redox.
 4)If two of the aqueous ions in the reactant form a insoluble chemical then the equation is a precipitate.

So now maybe I can identify the equation but can someone please help me with acid-base reactions?  I was told it was the easiest one but I do not know what to do.  I know the first step is to dissociate the soluble chemicals but how do I write the products?  Here is a example I hope someone can help me work out:

-  A solution of Copper (II) chloride is added to a solution of silver nitrate.
      Cu²⁺ ,  Cl^-,  Na⁺,  S^2-
                             -so since both chemicals are soluble I dissociated both, so the the first part of the equation would be
       Cu²⁺  +  Cl^-  +  Na⁺  +  S^2-  ->  ?
                             -how do I find the product? 

Thanks

[thomas49th]

Eg. 
A strip of magnesium is added to a solution of silver nitrate.

Answer:
       Mg + Ag+ =>  Mg2+ + Ag

I thought a nitrATE means it has oxygen in it....

Mg²⁺ + AgNO₃^- => Mg(NO₃)₂ + Ag

is that right?

EDIT: So Mg displaces Ag

[Borek]

if the equation has the word "excess" then it is most likely a redox.

Completely off.

help me with acid-base reactions?  I was told it was the easiest one but I do not know what to do.

Acid + base -> salt + water.

Acid, base and salt are usually dissociated. Thus cation and anion are just spectators, so the reaction that takes place is just

H⁺ + OH^- -> H₂O

A solution of Copper (II) chloride is added to a solution of silver nitrate.
      Cu²⁺ ,  Cl^-,  Na⁺,  S^2-
                             -so since both chemicals are soluble I dissociated both, so the the first part of the equation would be
       Cu²⁺  +  Cl^-  +  Na⁺  +  S^2-  ->  ?
                             -how do I find the product? 

First of all, where did you get S^2- from? What are formulas of copper chloride and silver nitrate? Once you get through this part, recall your own words:

If two of the aqueous ions in the reactant form a insoluble chemical then the equation is a precipitate.

There is an insoluble salt between products. Very common example of the insoluble salt.

[Borek]

Eg. 
A strip of magnesium is added to a solution of silver nitrate.

Answer:
       Mg + Ag+ =>  Mg2+ + Ag

I thought a nitrATE means it has oxygen in it....

Mg²⁺ + AgNO₃^- => Mg(NO₃)₂ + Ag

is that right?

No. These salts are fully dissociated and NO₃^- is just a spectator. Reaction that takes place is a redox between Mg and Ag⁺.

[Aufbau89]

Ok thanks, I think I got it.  I'm gonna try some more problems using everything you guys told me.  Again thanks!