types of chemical reactions assignment quizlet

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Types of Chemical Reactions

A chemical reaction is a process or chemical change that transforms one set of substances ( the reactants ) into another set of substances (the products ). The process involves breaking chemical bonds between atoms and forming new bonds, so the number and type of atoms are the same for both reactants and products. The chemical change is described by a chemical equation . There are several types of chemical reactions. Here is look at the four main types of chemical reactions, plus additional key reaction types.

4 Main Types of Chemical Reactions

Keep in mind, there are different names for the reaction types. The four main types of chemical reactions are:

• Synthesis or combination reactions
• Decomposition or analysis reactions
• Single replacement, single displacement , or substitution reactions
• Double replacement , double displacement, or metathesis reactions

There are many other types of reactions, though. This table summarizes some key points of the main types of chemical reactions:

Let’s take a closer look at the types of reactions and get examples:

Synthesis or Direct Combination Reaction

In a synthesis, direct combination, or composition reaction, two (or more) reactants combine to form a more complex product. The general form of the reaction is: A + B → AB An example of a synthesis reaction is the combination of iron and sulfur to form iron(II) sulfide: 8 Fe + S 8  → 8 FeS

Here are other examples of synthesis reactions:

• 2 Na(s) + Cl 2 (g) → 2 NaCl(s)
• C(s) + O 2 (g) → CO 2 (g)
• S(s) + O 2 (g) → SO 2 (g)
• 2 Fe(s) + O 2 (g) → 2 FeO(s)
• 2 SO 2  + O 2  → 2 SO 3
• 6 C + 3 H 2  → C 6 H 6
• 4 Na + 2 C + 3 O 2  → 2 Na 2 CO 3

Decomposition or Analysis Reaction

A compound breaks or decomposes into smaller pieces in a chemical decomposition or analysis reaction. The general form of the reaction is: AB → A + B An example of a decomposition reaction is the electrolysis of water to form oxygen and hydrogen: 2 H 2 O → 2 H 2  + O 2

Here are additional examples of decomposition reactions:

• CaCO 3  → CaO + CO 2
• 2 KClO 3  → 2 KCl + 3 O 2
• Na 2 CO 3  → Na 2 O + CO 2

Single Replacement, Single Displacement, or Substitution Reaction

A single replacement, single displacement, or substitution reaction is when one element is displaced from a reactant to form a compound with another element. The reaction has the general form: A + BC → AC + B An example of a single replacement reaction is when zinc combines with hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and hydrogen. The zinc replaces or displaces the hydrogen in hydrochloric acid: Zn + 2 HCl → ZnCl 2  + H 2

Double Replacement, Double Displacement, or Metathesis Reaction

When the reactant cations and anions “swap partners” the reaction is called a double replacement, double displacement, or metathesis reaction. The general form for a double replacement reaction is: AB + CD → AD + CB An example of a double replacement reaction is the reaction between sodium chloride and silver nitrate to yield sodium nitrate and silver chloride: NaCl(aq) + AgNO 3 (aq) → NaNO 3 (aq) + AgCl(s)

Combustion Reaction

A combustion reaction is the reaction between a fuel and oxygen to form one or more oxides. Because many fuels are carbon-based, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is often a product. Sometimes water (H 2 O) is a product.

Here are examples of combustion reactions and their balanced equations :

• C 10 H 8  + 12 O 2  → 10 CO 2  + 4 H 2 O
• H 2  + O 2  → 2 H 2 O
• C 6 H 12 O 6  + 6 O 2  → 6 CO 2  + 6 H 2 O
• 2 Fe 2 S 3  + 9 O 2  → 2 Fe 2 O 3  + 6 SO 2
• 2 Al 2 S 3  + 9 O 2  → 2 Al 2 O 3  + 6 SO 2
• P 4  + 5 O 2  → 2 P 2 O 5

Acid-Base or Neutralization Reaction

An acid-base reaction is a type of double replacement reaction that occurs between an acid and a base. The H +  ion in the acid reacts with the OH –  ion in the base to form water and an ionic salt: HA + BOH → H 2 O + BA The reaction between hydrobromic acid (HBr) and sodium hydroxide is an example of an acid-base reaction: HBr + NaOH → NaBr + H 2 O

Oxidation-Reduction or Redox Reaction

Redox stands for reduction and oxidation . The two processes occur together. This type of reaction involves electron transfer between reactants and a change in oxidation number. An example is the reduction of I 2 to form  I –  and oxidation of S 2 O 3 2-  (thiosulfate anion) to form S 4 O 6 2- :

2 S 2 O 3 2− (aq) + I 2 (aq) → S 4 O 6 2− (aq) + 2 I − (aq)

Isomerization Reaction

In an isomerization reaction, the structural arrangement of a compound is changed but its net atomic composition remains the same.

For example:

CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 (n-butane) → CH 3 CH(CH 3 )CH 3 (i-butane)

Hydrolysis Reaction

A hydrolysis reaction is a reaction in which one or more water molecules is added to a substance. In some cases, this causes both the substance and water molecule to split. The general form of a hydrolysis reaction is: X – (aq) + H 2 O(l) ↔ HX(aq) + OH – (aq)

The reverse reaction is a condensation reaction. In a condensation reaction, water is removed from a substance.

How Many Types of Chemical Reactions Are There?

Technically, there are hundreds or even thousands of different types of chemical reactions. However, chemistry students usually learn to classify them as 4 main types, 5 main types, or 6 main types. The four main types of chemical reactions are synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, and double displacement. But, remember, some people use different names for these reactions. Other important types of reactions are combustion, acid-base, redox reactions, and condensation reactions . It gets even more complicated in organic chemistry, where many reactions have special names. However, these other types of reactions also fit into one of the four main categories!

Types of Chemical Reactions Worksheet

Practice identifying the four main types of chemical reactions with this worksheet. Download and print the PDF worksheet and answer key.

[ Types of Chemical Reactions Worksheet ] [ PDF Answer Key ]

• Atkins, Peter W.; Julio de Paula (2006). Physical Chemistry (4th ed.). Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. ISBN 978-3-527-31546-8.
• IUPAC (1997). “Chemical Reaction”. Compendium of Chemical Terminology (2nd ed.) (the “Gold Book”). doi: 10.1351/goldbook.C01033
• Myers, Richard (2009). The Basics of Chemistry . Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-313-31664-7.
• Wiberg, Egon; Wiberg, Nils; Holleman, Arnold Frederick (2001). Inorganic Chemistry . Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-352651-9.

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Chemical Reaction Classification Quiz - Types of Chemical Reactions

See How Well You Can Identify Types of Chemical Reactions

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• synthesis reaction
• decomposition reaction
• single displacement reaction
• double displacement reaction
• combustion reaction

You can recognize a decomposition or analysis reaction by noticing a compound or molecule breaks into smaller chemical species. 

A synthesis reaction or direct combination is the reverse of a decomposition reaction. In a synthesis reaction, two or more reactants combine to form a more complex molecule.

 A double displacement reaction is sometimes called a metathesis reaction. In this type of chemical reaction, two reactants exchange ions to form two different compounds.

A single displacement reaction is also called a substitution reaction. It's a common type of reaction in which one element is displaced by another. It takes the form:  A + BC → AC + B

The formation of water from its elements is a type of synthesis reaction. Some people also consider it a combustion reaction because oxygen is used and energy is released. However, no carbon dioxide is released.

This reaction meets all of the criteria for classification as a combustion reaction . Here, a fuel and an oxidizer react to produce water and carbon dioxide. Heat is also released by this reaction.

This is another example of a single displacement reaction, since iron and sodium displace each other in the reaction.

This is a basic example of a synthesis reaction.

This is a synthesis reaction. As with the formation of water, some texts would also consider it a combustion reaction. It's okay for a chemical reaction to be more than one thing!

This is a double displacement reaction. The hydroxide and sulfate anions switch cations.

Good job! You completed the quiz, so you've seen examples of the different types of chemical reactions. If you're still a bit shaky on how to tell the types of reactions apart or if you just want more examples, you can review the main reaction types . If you're ready to try another quiz, see how familiar you are with the units of measurement .

 Great work! You really know a lot about the main types of chemical reactions and how to identify them. From here, you might want to review 10 examples of chemical reactions you could encounter in everyday life. Are you ready for another quiz? See whether you can identify lab safety signs  and hazard symbols.

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Types of Chemical Reactions

Table of Contents

Recommended videos, different types of chemical reactions, example problem, frequently asked questions – faqs.

Different Types of Chemical Reactions – Combination, Decomposition, Combustion, Neutralization & Displacement Reactions

Also, check ⇒  Chemistry Concept Questions and Answers

Chemical Reactions and Equations – Types of Chemical Reactions

Types Of Organic Reactions

The 5 primary types of chemical reactions are:

• Combination reaction
• Decomposition reaction
• Displacement reaction
• Double Displacement reaction
• Precipitation Reaction

1. Combination Reaction

• A reaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single product is known as a combination reaction.
• It takes the form of X + Y → XY
• Combination reaction is also known as a synthesis reaction.
• Example of combination reaction: 2Na + Cl 2  → 2NaCl

Related Video

Combination reactions.

2. Decomposition Reaction

• A reaction in which a single compound breaks into two or more simpler compounds is known as a decomposition reaction.
• It takes the form of XY → X + Y
• A decomposition reaction is just the opposite of a combination reaction.
• Example of a decomposition reaction: CaCO 3  → CaO + CO 2
• The reaction in which a compound decomposes due to heating is known as a thermal decomposition reaction.

3. Displacement Reaction

• A chemical reaction in which a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its aqueous salt solution.
• It takes the form X + YZ → XZ + Y
• It is also called a substitution reaction
• Example of displacement reaction: Zn + CuSO 4  → ZnSO 4 + Cu

4. Double Displacement Reaction

• A chemical reaction in which ions get exchanged between two reactants which form a new compound is called a double displacement reaction.
• It takes the form of XY + ZA → XZ + YA
• It is also called a metathesis reaction
• Example of double displacement reaction:

\(\begin{array}{l}~~~~~~~~~~~\end{array} \) BaCl 2 + Na 2 SO 4  → BaSO 4 + 2NaCl

5. Precipitation Reaction

• A chemical reaction that involves the formation of an insoluble product (precipitate; solid) is called Precipitation reaction.
• The reactants are soluble, but the product formed would be insoluble and separates out as a solid.
• The chemical equation by which a chemical change is described is adequate for reaction in solutions, but for reactions of ionic compounds in aqueous solution (water), the typical molecular equation has different representations.
• A molecular equation may indicate formulas of reactants and products that are not present and eliminate completely the formulas of the ions that are the real reactants and products.
• If the substance in the molecular equation that is actually present as dissociated ions are written in the form of their ions, the result is an ionic equation.

A precipitation reaction occurs when a solution, originally containing dissolved species, produces a solid, which generally is denser and falls to the bottom of the reaction vessel.

The most common precipitation reactions occurring in aqueous solution involve the formation of an insoluble ionic compound when two solutions containing soluble compounds are mixed. Consider what happens when an aqueous solution of NaCl is added to an aqueous solution of AgNO 3 . The first solution contains hydrated Na + and Cl − ions and the second solution, Ag + , and NO 3 − ions.

NaCl(s) → Na + (aq) + Cl − (aq)

AgNO 3 (s) → Ag + (aq) + NO 3 − (aq)

When mixed, a double displacement reaction takes place, forming the soluble compound NaNO 3 and the insoluble compound AgCl. In the reaction vessel, the Ag + and Cl − ions combine, and a white solid precipitated from the solution. As the solid precipitates, the Na + and NO 3 − ions remain in solution.

The overall double displacement reaction is represented by the following balanced equation:

NaCl(aq) + AgNO 3 (aq) → AgCl(s) + NaNO 3 (aq)

• When aqueous solutions of Pb(NO 3 ) 2 and KI are mixed, does a precipitate form?
• Write a balanced equation for the precipitation reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of copper(II) iodide and potassium hydroxide are combined.

You are asked to predict whether a precipitate will form during a chemical reaction and to write a balanced equation for a precipitation reaction.

You are given the identity of two reactants.

1. Yes, a solid precipitate, PbI 2 , forms when these solutions are mixed:

Pb(NO 3 ) 2 (aq) + KI(aq)  → PbI 2 (s) + 2KNO 3 (aq)

2. The two products of the reaction are insoluble copper (II) hydroxide and soluble potassium  iodide.

How do you identify a chemical reaction?

A chemical reaction is typically followed by physical signs that are readily detected, such as heat and light emission, precipitate formation, gas evolution, or a change of appearance.

How do you identify physical and chemical changes?

The shape or form of the matter varies through a physical transition, but the sort of matter in the material does not. In a chemical shift, however, the type of matter shifts and at least one new material with new properties is created. There is no straight cut of the gap between physical and chemical transition.

Why do we write a chemical equation?

The purpose of writing a balanced chemical equation is to explain the occurring reactants (starting material) and products (end results). The ratios in which they answer so that you can measure the amount of reactants you need and the amount of goods you can make.

What is chemical reaction and equation?

A chemical equation is the symbolic representation in the form of symbols and formulas of a chemical reaction in which the reactant entities on the left-hand side and the product entities on the right-hand side are given.

What is the skeleton equation?

A skeleton equation is when each product that takes part in the reaction is written with the chemical formulas describing the chemical reaction. Examples: The term equation: oxygen + methane. Dioxide with carbon + Vapour.

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• 1. Multiple Choice Edit 1 minute 1 pt Combining substances to form a new substance Displacement Synthesis Decomposition Oxidation
• 2. Multiple Choice Edit 1 minute 1 pt Breaking down a substance into simpler substances Displacement Synthesis Decomposition Oxidation
• 3. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Combining a substance with oxygen Displacement Synthesis Decomposition Oxidation
• 4. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Switching one substance for another Displacement Synthesis Decomposition Oxidation
• 5. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Having to do with heat Displacement Synthesis Decomposition Thermic
• 6. Multiple Choice Edit 1 minute 1 pt What type of reaction is the equation C + O 2  → CO 2 ? Synthesis Reaction Decomposition Reaction Single Displacement Reaction Double Displacement Reaction
• 7. Multiple Choice Edit 1 minute 1 pt What type of reaction is the equation 2NaCl →2Na +Cl 2 ? Synthesis Reaction Decomposition Reaction Single Displacement Reaction Double Displacement Reaction
• 8. Multiple Choice Edit 1 minute 1 pt Cu + 2Ag(NO 3 ) → 2Ag + Cu(NO 3 ) Synthesis Reaction Decomposition Reaction Single Displacement Reaction Double Displacement Reaction
• 9. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Ca 3 (PO 4 )2 + 3 H 2 SO 4  + 3 CaSO 4  + 2 H 3 (PO 4 ) Synthesis Reaction Decomposition Reaction Single Displacement Reaction Double Displacement Reaction
• 10. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which of the following is an example of a chemical change? melting a stick of butter dissolving salt in water using magnesium to displace hydrogen gas from water
• 11. Multiple Choice Edit 1 minute 1 pt Consider the chemical equation CH 4  + 2 O 2  → CO 2  + 2 H 2 O. In this equation, CH 4  is a product reactant displacement
• 12. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Consider the equation 4 Fe+3 O 2  → 2 Fe 2 O 3  . In this equation, 3 O 2  is a product reactant compound
• 13. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which of the following is an example of a physical change to matter? rusting digestion freezing
• 14. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Photosynthesis is a chemical reaction that involves the production of glucose (sugar) from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight. Photosynthesis is what kind of reaction? Exothermic Endothermic Decomposition
• 15. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt During an endothermic reaction, what happens to energy in relation to the surroundings? released to absorbed from  mixed with
• 16. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt During an exothermic reaction, what happens to energy in relation to the surroundings? released to absorbed from  mixed with
• 17. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt In a cold pack, which type of reaction draws heat from the surroundings? exothermic endothermic exergonic
• 18. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which generalized equation represents a synthesis reaction? A + BC → AC+ B A + B → AB AB → A + B
• 19. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which generalized equation represents a decomposition reaction? A + BC → AC+ B A + B → AB AB → A + B
• 20. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which generalized equation represents a single displacement reaction? A + BC → AC+ B A + B → AB AB → A + B

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