Chemical Reactions Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in chemical reactions, focusing on types of reactions, oxidation-reduction, and energy changes.

Single Displacement Reaction

A reaction where one element displaces another, resulting in the formation of new products.

Net Ionic Equation

An equation that shows only the species that actually change during the reaction, excluding spectator ions.

Redox Reaction

A reaction that involves the transfer of electrons, where one species is oxidized and another is reduced.

Oxidation Number

A number assigned to an element in a compound that reflects its electron control compared to pure elemental form.

Polyatomic Ion

An ion composed of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded together, with a net charge.

Oxidizing Agent

The substance that gains electrons in a redox reaction, causing the oxidation of another species.

Reducing Agent

The substance that loses electrons in a redox reaction, causing the reduction of another species.

Double Displacement Reaction

A reaction where two compounds exchange partners to form two new compounds.

Acid-Base Neutralization

A double displacement reaction where an acid and a base react to form water and a salt.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases heat; products have lower potential energy than reactants.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs heat; products have higher potential energy than reactants.

Activation Energy

The minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Ionic Equation

An equation that shows all of the ions present in a reaction, including spectator ions.