Section 8.4 Chemical Reactions
There are several types of chemical reactions , including:
- Combination reactions: In a combination reaction, two or more reactants combine to form a single product. The general form of a combination reaction is:\begin{equation*} A + B → AB. \end{equation*}
- Decomposition reactions: In a decomposition reaction, a single reactant breaks down into two or more products. The general form of a decomposition reaction is:\begin{equation*} AB → A + B. \end{equation*}
- Single replacement reactions: In a single replacement reaction, an element replaces another element in a compound to form a new compound and a new element. The general form of a single replacement reaction is:\begin{equation*} A + BC → AC + B. \end{equation*}
- Double replacement reactions: In a double replacement reaction, the cations and anions of two different compounds switch places to form two new compounds. The general form of a double replacement reaction is:\begin{equation*} AB + CD → AD + CB. \end{equation*}
- Combustion reactions: In a combustion reaction, a fuel (often a hydrocarbon) reacts with oxygen gas to produce carbon dioxide, water, and heat. The general form of a combustion reaction is: fuel + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water.
- Acid-base reactions: In an acid-base reaction, an acid reacts with a base to produce a salt and water. The general form of an acid-base reaction is: acid + base → salt + water.
Understanding the different types of chemical reactions is important in predicting the products of a reaction and in understanding the behavior of chemicals in different environments.
