Balancing Chemical Equations and Types of Reactions

Law of Conservation of Atoms

There must be the same number of each type of atom before the reaction as after the reaction

Coefficients

Are numbers that go in front of each substance to indicate the number of atoms or molecules that are reacting or being produced

Synthesis

2 elements combine to form a compound

• element + element → compound; a + b → c

Decomposition

A compound breaks down into elements and/or smaller compounds

• compounds → element + element; ab → a + b

“Special” Decompositions: metal chlorate → _______

metal chloride + oxygen

“Special” Decompositions: metal carbonate → ________

metal oxide + carbon dioxide

“Special” Decompositions: metal hydroxide → ______

metal oxide + water

Single Replacement

An element and compound react to form a different element and compound

• element + compound 🡪 element + compound; a + bc → ac + b

• these reactions do not always occur

Double Replacement

2 compounds react to form 2 new compounds

• compound + compound → compound + compound; ab + cd → ad + cb

A neutralization reaction is a _______

a type of double replacement reaction

Neutralization Reaction

is a reaction between an acid and a base

• Ex: base - a metal hydroxide; NaOH

Combustion

a reaction with oxygen (O2)

If your reactant contains: C

The product will be: CO₂

If your reactant contains: H

The product will be: H₂O

If your reactant contains: S

The product will be: SO₂

If your reactant contains: N

The product will be: N₂