Types of Reactions and Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a chemical reaction?

Back

A process where 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 (Combination) 2. Decomposition 3. Single Replacement 4. Double Replacement 5. Combustion

Front

Define Synthesis Reaction.

Back

A reaction where two or more reactants combine to form a single product. Example: A + B → AB.

Front

Define Decomposition Reaction.

Back

A reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler products. Example: AB → A + B.

Front

Define Single Replacement Reaction.

Back

A reaction where one element replaces another in a compound. Example: A + BC → AC + B.

Front

Define Double Replacement Reaction.

Back

A reaction where the anions and cations of two different compounds exchange places to form two new compounds. Example: AB + CD → AD + CB.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

In a chemical reaction, mass is neither created nor destroyed; it remains constant.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

By ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A number placed in front of a chemical formula to indicate how many molecules or moles of that substance are involved in the reaction.

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A number written below and to the right of a chemical symbol that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.