Types of Chemical Reactions
I hear that oxygen is important for us humans! It is also a critical element of this type of reaction.
Combustion Reaction
C2H5OH
Alcohol
When you see this symbol
→
in the word equation, what word is represented by this symbol?
Produces
Cl2 + 2KI → 2KCl + I2
Yes, balanced
2 Chlorine Atoms on each side
2 Potassium Atoms on each side
2 Iodine Atoms on each side
Car Tire
Yes
AB → A + B
Decomposition Reaction
C3H7OH
Rubbing Alcohol
Why do chemists use word equations to represent chemical reactions?
Word equations are a simple way for chemists to describe chemical changes.
3Li + 2H2O → 2LiOH + H2
No, unbalanced
3 Lithium Atoms on Reactant Side and 2 Lithium Atoms on the Product Side
Backpack
Yes
In this type of reaction, two or more simple elements combine to form a compound.
Single Composition Reaction
NaHCO3
Baking Soda
Describe the Standard Format for word equations.
-The left side of the equation lists the reactants
-The right side of the equation lists the products
-An arrow points from the reactants to the products
Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2
Yes, balanced
1 Zinc Atom on each side
2 Hydrogen Atoms on each side
1 Sulfur Atom on each side
4 Oxygen Atoms on each side
Banana
No
At least we hope the bananas we eat are not made from petroleum
In this type of reaction, water and some form of salt is produced.
Neutralization Reaction
N2O
Laughing Gas
In a word equation, the reactants are separated by what? (Spoiler alert, the products are separated by this as well)
CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
No, unbalanced
4 Hydrogen Atoms on reactant side and 2 Hydrogen Atoms on product side
2 Oxygen Atoms on reactant side and 3 Oxygen Atoms on product side
Blank piece of paper
No
This reaction breaks a compound into its component elements.
Decomposition Reaction
C6H12O6
Sugar
How is the following equation read?
Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium Oxide + Light + Thermal Energy
Magnesium and Oxygen Produces Magnesium Oxide and Light and Thermal Energy
2HgO → Hg + O2
No, unbalanced
2 Atoms of Mercury on the reactant side and 1 Atom of Mercury on the product side
The secret sauce on a Big Mac
No
At least that is what McDonald's tells us