Balancing and Classifying Chemical Equations

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to balancing and classifying chemical equations, types of chemical reactions, and the activity series.

Signs of Chemical Reactions

Indications include evolution of energy, production of gas, formation of a precipitate, or color change.

Synthesis Reaction

A chemical reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound (A + B = AB).

Decomposition Reaction

A reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances (AB = A + B).

Single Displacement Reaction

A reaction where one element replaces another in a compound (A + BX = AX + B).

Double Displacement Reaction

A reaction where the ions of two compounds exchange places to form two new compounds (AX + BY = AY + BX).

Combustion Reaction

A reaction where a substance combines with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.

Activity Series

A list of elements organized by their reactivity, predicting whether certain chemical reactions will occur, especially in single-displacement reactions.

Reactivity in Metals

Greater activity in metals means a greater ease of losing electrons to form positive ions.

Reactivity in Non-Metals

Greater activity in non-metals means greater ease of gaining electrons to form negative ions.