how will you know if 2 elements/substances(like sulfuric acid and sugar) will react as a chemical reaction?

Question

Are there equations to prodict it? If so can you direct me to a website to learn them?

Answer 1

You need to look at the periodic table first then find out what is being combined and what its all made of.For example.
2Ag+O2=2AgO
We know that Silver(Ag) and Oxygen(O) react because one is a metal and one is a gas.For more info read this.The websites included.
"...The reaction of two or more elements together results in the formation of a chemical bond between atoms and the formation of a chemical compound. But why do chemicals react together? The reason has to do with the participating atoms' electron configurations...."

Answer 2

You need to be aware that the sulphuric acid used in this reaction is not the (aq) acid of acids and bases type reactions you may be more familiar with. There is very little water in the oily liquid. The super concentrated acid is hygroscopic , it draws out water from the atmosphere and indeed it can even cause the decomposition of sugar type molecules in its desire to gain water. Water molecules that allow the acid molecule to hydrolyze and behave as an acid. This hydrolysis is very exothermic. The decomposition of the sugar molecules is not a rapid reaction and has many stages. It should not surprise therefore that the final product , carbon takes time to form in appreciable enough quantities to be seen as the black substance you observed. The formula for sucrose is C12H22O11 by the way.

Answer 3

yes sulfuric acid burns sugar. careful, violent heat producing reaction

Answer 4

you can use the activity series