5 Types of Reactions
Personifying and Steps to Balancing
Decomposition Reaction
A compound breaks down into parts.
Compound-- element+element
2H2O--2H2 + O2
Synthesis Reactions
Elements are joined together.
Element + Element-- Compound
2H2 + O2-- 2H2O
Single Displacement Reactions
A single element replaces an element in a compound.
Element+Compound-- element + compound
Zn + 2HCl-- H2 = ZnCl2
Double Displacement Reaction
An element from each of two compounds switch places.
Compound+Compound-- compound + compound
H2SO4+2NaOH-- Na2So4 + 2H2O
Combustion Reaction
A hydrocarbon (a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen) combines with oxygen.
The products of combustion are always carbon dioxide and water.
Hydrocarbon + Oxygen-- Carbon dioxide + water
CH4 + 2O2-- CO2 = 2H2o