Chemical Reaction Types & Balancing

Front

What is a chemical reaction?

Back

A process in which substances (reactants) are transformed into different substances (products) through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds.

Front

What are the main types of chemical reactions?

Back

1. Synthesis 2. Decomposition 3. Single Displacement 4. Double Displacement 5. Combustion

Front

Define synthesis reaction.

Back

A type of reaction where two or more reactants combine to form a single product. Example: Na + Br₂ → NaBr.

Front

Define decomposition reaction.

Back

A reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler products. Example: 2 H₃AsO₄ → As₂O₅ + 3 H₂O.

Front

What is a single displacement reaction?

Back

A reaction where one element replaces another in a compound. Example: Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu.

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What is a double displacement reaction?

Back

A reaction where two compounds exchange ions to form two new compounds. Example: AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃.

Front

What is combustion?

Back

A reaction that occurs when a substance combines with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of light and heat. Example: CH₄ + 2 O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O.

Front

What are coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Numbers placed before compounds in a chemical equation to indicate the number of molecules or moles of each substance involved in the reaction.

Front

What are subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Numbers written below and to the right of an element symbol that indicate the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

By adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.