Types of Chemical Reactions
By: Adam Roshetko
Synthesis
Def: a reaction in which two or more substances react to form a single substance
Equation: A+B --> AB
EX: 2 Na+Cl2 --> 2 NaCl
Decomposition
Def: a reaction in which a compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances
Equation: AB --> A+B
EX: 2 H2O --> 2 H2 + O2
Single Replacement
Def: a reaction in which one element takes the place of another element in a compound
Equation: A+BC --> B + AC
EX: Cu +2 AgNO3 --> 2 Ag + Cu(NO3)2
Double Replacement
Def: a reaction in which two different compounds exchange positive ions and form two new compounds
Equation: AB+CD --> AD+BC
EX: Pb(NO3)2 + 2 KI --> PbI2 + 2 KNO3
Combustion
Def: a reaction in which substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, often producing heat and light
Equation: CxHx + O2 --> CO2 + H2O
EX: CH4 + 2 O2 --> CO2 + 2 H2O