Classifying Reactions

ACID-BASE REACTION

A reaction involving the transfer of one or more protons H+ between chemical species, according to the Brønsted-Lowry definition

BRØNSTED-LOWRY ACID

A substance that donates a proton H+ to another substance in an acid-base reaction

BRØNSTED-LOWRY BASE

A substance that accepts a proton H^+ from another substance in an acid-base reaction

CONJUGATE ACID-BASE PAIR

Two species in an acid-base reaction that differ from each other by the presence of a single proton H+

REDOX REACTION (OXIDATION-REDUCTION)

A reaction that involves the transfer of one or more electrons between chemical species, resulting in a change in their oxidation numbers

OXIDATION

The process where a species loses electrons; its oxidation number becomes more positive (increases)

REDUCTION

The process where a species gains electrons; its oxidation number becomes more negative (decreases)

OXIDIZING AGENT

The species that causes oxidation by itself being reduced (it accepts electrons)

REDUCING AGENT

The species that causes reduction by itself being oxidized (it donates electrons)

OXIDATION NUMBER (STATE)

A theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule or ion; it is used to track the transfer of electrons in a redox reaction

PRECIPITATION REACTION

A reaction involving the mixing of ions in aqueous solution that produces an insoluble ionic compound (a precipitate)

SOLUBILITY RULES

General guidelines used to predict which ionic compounds will dissolve in water (aq) and which will remain insoluble (s) to form a precipitate

COMBUSTION REACTION

A rapid redox reaction involving a substance (e.g., hydrocarbon) reacting with oxygen (O2) to produce oxides (CO2 and H2O are common products)

NEUTRALIZATION REACTION (ACID-BASE)

A specific type of double replacement reaction where an acid and a base react to form a salt and water