Final answer:
To determine the products of a chemical reaction, start by identifying the reactants and then predict the products using their ionic charges, followed by writing a balanced chemical equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining the products formed in a reaction, you must begin by identifying the formulas of the reactants. After that, you can predict the products based on the type of reaction. For instance, if the reaction involves the production of a gas or a precipitate, this will often drive the reaction to completion.
Once the reactants are known, use their ionic charges to construct the correct formulas of the products, which are substances generated by the reaction. The products are placed on the right side of the chemical equation, separated by an arrow from the reactants (>). The chemical equation should be balanced to show that the same number of atoms of each element is present on both sides of the equation.
Additionally, it is important to write the equations that relate the rates of consumption of the reactants to the rates of formation of the products. Finally, you should name the product formed and classify the reaction as either a synthesis or decomposition reaction, providing a reason for your classification.