Chemical reactions

Types of reactions

Reactants

Elements or compounds which are present prior to a chemical reaction

Products

New substances that are created following a chemical reaction

Arrow

A symbol that represents a chemical reaction taking place

Subscript

This number tells the number of atoms of each element present.

Coefficient

This number tells the number of molecules participating in the reaction.

Balanced equation

Has the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation, ensuring law of conservation of mass is upheld. You may change coefficients as needed, but never subscripts.

Single displacement

A type of chemical reaction where one element replaces another in a compound, resulting in a new element and a new compound. A + BC → AC + B.

Double displacement

A chemical reaction where two compounds exchange ions or bonds to form two new compounds. AB + CD → AD + CB

Decomposision

A chemical reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. AB → A + B

Synthesis

A type of chemical reaction where two or more reactants combine to form a single product. A + B → AB.

Combustion

A chemical reaction that occurs when a substance combines with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of light or heat. Typically involves a hydrocarbon reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. C_xH_x + O2 → CO2 + H2O

5 Signs of a chemical reactoin

There are five key indicators that a chemical reaction has taken place: color change, temperature change, gas production, precipitation formation, and the formation of new substances.

Chemical reaction

Involves a substance breaking for forming chemical bonds.