Section 7.

2
7.2 Types of Reactions
1 FOCUS
Objectives
Key Concepts Vocabulary Reading Strategy 7.2.1 Classify chemical reactions as
What are the general types N synthesis reaction Previewing Skim the section and begin a synthesis, decomposition,
of chemical reactions? N decomposition concept map like the one below that identifies
reaction types of reactions with a general form. As you single-replacement, double-
How did the discovery of
subatomic particles affect N single-replacement read, add the general form of each type replacement, or combustion
the classification of reaction of reaction. reactions.
reactions? N double-replacement 7.2.2 Describe oxidation-reduction
reaction Types of Reactions
N combustion
reactions, and relate them to
reaction other classifications of chemical
N oxidation-reduction Single reactions.
reaction Synthesis a. ? b. ?
Replacement

AⴙB AB c. ? d. ? e. ? Reading Focus

Build Vocabulary L2
Word Forms Ask students to write

T he walls of the cave shown in Figure 9 are solid limestone. When

hydrochloric acid is dropped on limestone, a chemical reaction Figure 9 The walls and other
simple definitions of the words
synthesize, decompose, and replace. Then,
formations of Blanchard Springs
have students explain how these simple
occurs in which a gas is produced. Geologists can use this reaction to Caverns in Arkansas contain the definitions relate to the terms synthesis
determine whether a rock sample contains the mineral calcium car- mineral calcium carbonate, reaction, decomposition reaction, single-
bonate, CaCO3. When a rock containing calcium carbonate CaCO3.
replacement reaction, and double-
reacts with hydrochloric acid, it fizzes. The bubbles contain replacement reaction. (To synthesize is to
carbon dioxide gas. combine and form a complex product, to
Many other reactions produce carbon dioxide. For exam- decompose is to separate into basic parts,
ple, heating limestone produces carbon dioxide. So does and to replace is to take or fill the place of.)
burning gasoline. However, just because two reactions have the
same product, you cannot assume that they are the same type Reading Strategy L2
of reaction. a. Decomposition b. Double
replacement c. AB h A ⫹ B
Classifying Reactions d. A ⫹ BC h B ⫹ AC
Just as you can classify matter into different types, you can e. AB ⫹ CD h AD ⫹ CB
classify chemical reactions into different types. Reactions are
often classified by the type of reactant or the number of reac- 2 INSTRUCT
tants and products. Some general types of chemical
reactions are synthesis reactions, decomposition reactions,
single-replacement reactions, double-replacement reac-
Classifying Reactions
tions, and combustion reactions. Each type describes a Integrate Earth Science L2
different way in which reactants interact to form products. Calcium carbonate in limestone rock is
dissolved by water made acidic by
carbon dioxide according to the
Chemical Reactions 199 following equation.
CaCO3 ⫹ CO2 ⫹ H2O m
Ca2⫹ ⫹ 2HCO3⫺
The reverse reaction deposits the calcium
Section Resources carbonate onto a limestone surface.
Print Technology (Note that reaction equilibrium is
• Laboratory Manual, Investigations 7A • Interactive Textbook, Section 7.2 discussed in depth in Section 7.5.) In
and 7B • Presentation Pro CD-ROM, Section 7.2 this way, water dripping in a limestone
• Reading and Study Workbook With • Go Online, NSTA SciLinks, Chemical cave forms beautiful formations. Have
Math Support, Section 7.2 reactions, Oxidation and reduction students research cave formations. Ask,
• Transparencies, Section 7.2 What is the difference between
stalactites and stalagmites? (Stalactites
form on cave ceilings, while stalagmites
form on cave floors.)
Visual

Chemical Reactions 199

Section 7.2 (continued) Synthesis A synthesis reaction is a reaction in which two or more
substances react to form a single substance. The reactants may be either
Integrate Biology L2 elements or compounds. The product synthesized is always a com-
Biologists often call the decay of organic pound. The general equation for a synthesis reaction is
matter decomposition even when the A  B h AB
reactions that take place do not follow
Figure 10 shows what happens when sodium reacts with chlorine.
the general form AB h A  B. While
The product of this reaction is the compound sodium chloride, which
both meanings of decomposition are
appears as a whitish cloud of solid particles. You are probably more
derived from the idea of separating
familiar with sodium chloride as table salt. You can describe the syn-
objects into simpler parts, chemists use
thesis of sodium chloride with the following equation.
this term to describe a reaction that
leads to the breakdown of a single 2Na  Cl2 h 2NaCl
compound. Logical
Another example of a synthesis reaction is hydrogen and oxygen react-
ing to form water.
Figure 10 Sodium metal reacts 2H2  O2 h 2H2O
vigorously with chlorine to form
sodium chloride, NaCl. This reaction is used to generate electricity for satellites and spacecraft.
Exothermic Reaction L2 Interpreting Photos What
evidence in this photograph tells
Purpose Students observe a synthesis you that a chemical reaction is What is a synthesis reaction?
reaction. taking place?

Materials balance, evaporating dish,

copper powder, ring stand, wire gauze, Decomposition The opposite of synthesis is decomposition. A
Bunsen burner, tongs decomposition reaction is a reaction in which a compound breaks
Procedure Measure and record on the down into two or more simpler substances. The reactant in a decom-
board the mass of the evaporating dish. position reaction must be a compound. The products may be elements
Measure out 10 g of copper powder and or compounds. The general equation for a decomposition reaction is
spread it evenly in the evaporating dish. AB h A  B
Arrange the wire mesh on the ring stand
so that it sits above the Bunsen burner. When electricity passes through water, the water decomposes into
Place the evaporating dish on the wire hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. You can describe the decomposition of
mesh and light the Bunsen burner. Heat water by writing the following equation.
the copper powder in the evaporating 2H2O h 2H2  O2
dish for 10–15 minutes. Allow the
evaporating dish and its contents to cool Notice that this reaction is the opposite of the synthesis of water.
and then determine their total mass. Another example of decomposition occurs in the making of cement.
Ask, Was mass conserved in this Cement factories use a giant kiln, or oven, to heat a mixture of clay and
reaction? (Students may answer no, limestone. The heat causes the calcium carbonate in the limestone to
based on the increase in mass.) Have decompose into lime, CaO, and carbon dioxide.
students calculate the mass of the CaCO3 h CaO  CO2
synthesized product.
The carbon dioxide escapes the kiln through a smokestack. The clay-
Expected Outcome The copper and-lime mixture is cooled and ground into cement powder.
For: Links on chemical reactions
powder turns into black copper(II) Visit: www.SciLinks.org The How It Works box on page 201 describes a decomposition reac-
oxide, and the product’s mass is greater Web Code: ccn-1076 tion that is used to make automobiles safer.
than the original mass of the copper
powder. The additional mass comes
from the oxygen, which is the other
reactant in the synthesis reaction. 200 Chapter 7
Visual, Logical

Customize for English Language Learners

Discussion chemicals A and B. Have students comment
Write the general equations for synthesis, on how the equations are alike and how they
decomposition, single-replacement, and are different. They may point out that the
Download a worksheet on double-replacement reactions on the board. equation for synthesis appears to be the
chemical reactions for students Use word equations to explain what is reverse of the equation for decomposition.
to complete, and find additional happening in each reaction. For example, Also, they may notice that the replacement
teacher support from NSTA you might say, In a synthesis reaction, reactions involve different particles changing
SciLinks. chemical A reacts (combines) with chemical places. Encourage students to use familiar
B to form a new chemical compound made words when describing their observations.
up of the same elements as those in

200 Chapter 7
 Automobile Safety:
Automobile Air Bags L2
Safety: Air Bags The force of the reaction that inflates an
air bag causes the air bag to break out
Air bags are inflatable cushions built into a car’s steering
of the steering wheel at up to 200 miles
wheel or dashboard. In a crash, the bags inflate, Testing air bags per hour. One way that manufacturers
protecting both the driver and the passenger. The whole Air bags have been shown to
reduce the risk of serious injury in
help the bag withstand the friction of
process takes 0.04 second. Interpreting Diagrams What is this fast movement is by lubricating the
a head-on collision by 30 percent.
the source of the gas that fills an air bag? New cars have air bags on both bag with powders, such as talcum
the driver and passenger sides. powder or cornstarch.
Interpreting Diagrams The source
Collision A collision triggers of the nitrogen gas that fills an air bag is
the car’s crash sensors, which Ignition unit
send an electrical signal to the reacting sodium azide contained in
Igniter the ignition unit. When the sodium azide
the igniter in the
steering wheel. pellets are heated, they decompose into
Sodium azide pellets
sodium metal and nitrogen gas.
Crash sensor
Air bag folded Visual
into steering wheel
Nitrogen L3
gas leaks Steering wheel
For Enrichment
through
Have students research the benefits and
holes
Air bag inflates The igniter sets off drawbacks of including air bags in
a combustion reaction that heats up automobiles. They may want to find out
the sodium azide (NaN3) contained in the about the types of injuries caused and
ignition unit. When it is heated, the sodium
azide decomposes into metallic sodium (Na)
prevented by air bags as well as the
and nitrogen gas (N2). The nitrogen gas types of injuries that air bags cannot
inflates the air bag. The decomposition prevent. Verbal
reaction is 2NaN3 → 2Na + 3N2.
Nitrogen
gas
Nontoxic
residue of L2
secondary
reactions Many students incorrectly think that the
reactants are still present after a reaction
Deflated
has gone to completion. Challenge this
air bag misconception by discussing the
reaction that takes place when an air
Air bag bag inflates. After the class has read the
deflates The
nitrogen escapes
feature on air bags, ask students where
Igniter through tiny holes in the the nitrogen gas comes from when an
Sodium azide bag, causing immediate deflation air bag inflates. Explain that the nitrogen
of the air bag. Because sodium is
Electrical signal
pellets decomposing
dangerous (due to its high reactivity), the
gas produced from the decomposition
from crash sensor ignition unit also contains other chemicals that of solid sodium azide is exactly like the
react with sodium to form a nontoxic material. nitrogen gas in air. Apply this concept
later when the class reads about single-
replacement reactions that have solid
Chemical Reactions 201 reactants and products.
Verbal

Answer to . . .
Figure 10 The formation of a cloudy
substance and the release of energy
(seen in the photo as light) are
evidence that a chemical reaction is
taking place.
A synthesis reaction is a
reaction in which two or
more substances react to form a single
substance.

Chemical Reactions 201

Section 7.2 (continued) Figure 11 A single-replacement reaction
occurs when copper wire is submerged in
a solution of silver nitrate. As the copper
Use Visuals L1 replaces the silver in the silver nitrate
solution, the solution turns blue, and
Figure 11 Students may note that in the silver crystals form on the wire.
reaction between copper and silver
nitrate, the water (part of the silver nitrate
solution) doesn’t appear as a reactant in
the accompanying chemical equation in
the text. Ask, What evidence is there of
a chemical change in Figure 11? (The
solution changes color, and silver crystals
form on the wire.) Explain that when a
compound dissociates in water, a physical
change has taken place. The water and
the dissolved substance remain chemically
unchanged. The flask contains the same
number of water molecules before and
after the reaction takes place. Ask, If you
were to include water in the chemical
equation, where would you place it? Single Replacement A single-replacement reaction is a reac-
(Water would be on both sides of the tion in which one element takes the place of another element in a
equation with equivalent coefficients.) compound. Single-replacement reactions have the general form
Explain that just as in a math equation, A  BC h B  AC
you can cancel equivalent expressions
that appear on both sides of the equation. Suppose you dip a coil of copper wire into a solution of silver
Visual Figure 12 Potassium reacts with nitrate and water, as shown in Figure 11. A vivid chemical reaction
water in a single-replacement takes place as the solution turns blue and the submerged part of the
reaction that produces hydrogen
wire becomes coated with a silvery metal. In this reaction, the copper
gas and potassium hydroxide.
replaces the silver in silver nitrate to form copper(II) nitrate. The equa-
tion for this reaction is
Cu  2AgNO3 h 2Ag  Cu(NO3)2
Notice that one of the products is silver, which you can see adhering to
the wire in Figure 12. The other product, copper(II) nitrate, gives the
solution its blue color.
Recall that alkali metals are very reactive elements. Figure 12 shows
potassium reacting with water. This is another example of a single-
replacement reaction, as the element potassium replaces hydrogen in
water to form potassium hydroxide, KOH.
2K  2H2O h H2  2KOH
The heat produced by this chemical reaction causes the hydrogen gas
to ignite explosively.

What is a single-replacement reaction?

202 Chapter 7

Facts and Figures

Activity Series of Metals
Activity Series Through experimentation, activity series to the right, copper will replace Potassium (K)
Decreasing Reactivity

chemists can compile an activity series, a list of silver in a single-replacement reaction, as in Calcium (Ca)
elements arranged in decreasing activity. The the reaction described in the text. Using the Magnesium (Mg)
elements at the top of the list are the most activity series, you could correctly predict that Zinc (Zn)
reactive and will replace those elements at the the following single-replacement reaction
Iron (Fe)
bottom of the list when they are in would take place.
Lead (Pb)
compounds. For example, according to the Fe  CuSO4 h FeSO4  Cu
Hydrogen (H)
Copper (Cu)
Silver (Ag)

202 Chapter 7
Double Replacement A double-replacement reaction is one in
which two different compounds exchange positive ions and form two
new compounds. The general form of a double replacement reaction is Identifying a Type
AB  CD h AD  CB of Reaction L2
Notice that two replacements take place in this reaction. Not only is A Objective
replacing C, but C is also replacing A. After completing this activity, students
Solutions of lead(II) nitrate, Pb(NO3)2, and potassium iodide, KI, will be able to
are both colorless. However, when these solutions are mixed, as shown • determine whether a chemical
in Figure 13, a yellow precipitate forms as a result of a double- reaction has occurred.
replacement reaction. The equation for this reaction is • identify a single-replacement reaction.
Skills Focus Observing, Predicting
Pb(NO3)2  2KI h PbI2  2KNO3
The lead ions in Pb(NO3)2, trade places with the potassium ions in Prep Time 10 minutes
KI. The products are lead(II) iodide, PbI2, which precipitates out of Advance Prep Purchase zinc strips or
Figure 13 When potassium
solution, and potassium nitrate, KNO3, which remains in solution. iodide solution is poured into a cut a zinc sheet into 1"  2" pieces.
When geologists test the calcium carbonate content in a rock, they solution of lead(II) nitrate, a While wearing safety goggles and heavy
double-replacement reaction
make use of the following double-replacement reaction. gloves, file down all rough edges. To
takes place. Lead(II) iodide forms
CaCO3  2HCl h CaCl2  H2CO3 as a yellow precipitate. prepare 0.1 M CuSO4: Dissolve 2.5 g
Comparing and Contrasting CuSO4•5H2O in enough water to
One of the products of this reaction is calcium chloride, CaCl2. The How does a double-replacement
reaction differ from a single-
make 100 mL of solution. Be sure to
other product is carbonic acid, H2CO3, which decomposes into carbon replacement reaction? take proper safety precautions.
dioxide gas and water.
Class Time 15 minutes
H2CO3 h CO2  H2O Safety Students should wear safety
goggles, lab aprons, and disposable
plastic gloves. They should tie back long
hair and secure any loose clothing.
Expected Outcome The section of
the zinc strip exposed to the CuSO4
Identifying a Type of Reaction solution will have a distinct copper
Materials metal coating and the copper(II) sulfate
solution will become darker and less
piece of zinc, copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4) solution,
250-mL beaker, tongs, paper towel blue in color.
Analyze and Conclude
Procedure
1. The CuSO4 solution turned less blue
1. Place the zinc in the beaker and add enough
and the zinc became coated with
CuSO4 solution to cover the zinc as shown.
Analyze and Conclude reddish copper.
CAUTION Be careful when using chemicals.
Copper sulfate is toxic. 1. Observing What clues indicate that a 2. Zn and CuSO4; Cu and ZnSO4;
2. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the zinc
chemical reaction has taken place? Zn  CuSO4 h Cu  ZnSO4
from the solution using the tongs and place 2. Applying Concepts What were the
reactants in this reaction? What were the
3. This is a single-replacement reaction
the zinc on the paper towel to dry. Observe
any changes that have occurred to the zinc products? Write a balanced chemical equation because one element replaces another
and the solution of CuSO4. CAUTION Follow for the reaction. element in a compound. Visual
your teacher’s instructions for disposal of used 3. Classifying Is this a single-replacement or
chemicals. Wash your hands with soap or double-replacement reaction? Explain.
detergent before leaving the laboratory. For Enrichment L2
Have students examine other single
Chemical Reactions 203 metal replacement reactions by placing
copper and magnesium in AgNO3,
CuSO4, MgSO4, and ZnSO4 solutions.
The copper strip will react with AgNO3,
and the magnesium strip will react with
AgNO3, CuSO4, and ZnSO4. Kinesthetic

Answer to . . .
Figure 13 In a double-replacement
reaction, two different compounds
exchange positive ions and form two
new compounds.
A reaction in which one
element takes the place
of another element in a compound

Chemical Reactions 203

Section 7.2 (continued) Combustion A combustion reaction is one in which a substance
reacts rapidly with oxygen, often producing heat and light. The burn-
Build Reading Literacy L1 ing of natural gas, shown in Figure 14, is an example of combustion.
Preview Refer to page 36D in The main component of natural gas is methane, CH4. When methane
Chapter 2, which provides the burns in an unlimited supply of oxygen, the following reaction occurs.
guidelines for previewing. CH4  2O2 h CO2  2H2O
Have students preview the text on The products of the reaction are carbon dioxide and water. The com-
pp. 204 and 205 related to oxidation bustion of methane also generates both heat and light.
and reduction reactions. They should By now you know the chemical equation for the combustion
note the headings, the bold-faced key of hydrogen.
ideas, and the chemical equations. Help
students activate their prior knowledge 2H2  O2 h 2H2O
by reviewing the role electrons play in Notice that you could also classify this reaction as the synthesis of water.
ionic and covalent bonding. The classifications for chemical reactions sometimes overlap.
Verbal
Reactions as Electron Transfers
Reactions as So far, you have learned that chemical reactions can be identified by the
Electron Transfers Figure 14 A Bunsen burner type of reactant or by the number of reactants and products. For exam-
Build Science Skills L2 generates heat and light by the ple, in a combustion reaction one of the reactants must be oxygen. In
combustion of natural gas. a synthesis reaction, two or more reactants combine to form a single
Classifying Many kinds of reactions are Interpreting Photos What
also classified as redox reactions. For reactants or products are visible product.
example, all combustion reactions are in the reaction shown above? As scientists learned more about the structure of the atom, they found
also redox reactions. The easiest different ways to describe how reactions take place. The discovery
reactions to identify as redox reactions of subatomic particles enabled scientists to classify certain chemical
contain pure elements. Have students reactions as transfers of electrons between atoms. A reaction in
search the section and identify these which electrons are transferred from one reactant to another is called
redox reactions, which have a product an oxidation-reduction reaction, or redox reaction.
or a reactant that is an element.
(2Na Cl2 h 2NaCl; Oxidation For a long time, people have known that metals react
2H2  O2 h 2H2O; with oxygen. Calcium, for instance, reacts with oxygen and forms
2H2O h 2H2  O2; calcium oxide (CaO), shown in Figure 15. Iron reacts with oxygen
Cu 2AgNO3 h Cu(NO3)2 2Ag; and forms rust, or iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3). These types of syn-
2K 2H2O h H2  2KOH; thesis reactions, in which a metal combines with oxygen,
CH4  2O2 h CO2  2H2O) traditionally have been classified as oxidations.
Logical When calcium reacts with oxygen, the following reac-
tion takes place.
2Ca  O2 h 2CaO
Notice that while the atoms of both reactants (Ca and O2) are
neutral, the product of the reaction is a compound composed of
ions (Ca2 and O2). When calcium reacts with oxygen, each neu-
Figure 15 Calcium oxide, or lime, tral calcium atom loses two electrons and becomes a calcium ion with
is produced when calcium burns
in the presence of oxygen. In this a charge of 2.
reaction, the calcium is oxidized
and the oxygen is reduced.
Ca h Ca2  2e

204 Chapter 7

Facts and Figures

Corrosion of Metals Rust (Fe2O3) can only metal that corrodes. Uncoated aluminum
result from oxygen and water coming into objects oxidize to form white Al2O3. Jewelry
contact with iron. The corrosion of iron can made of silver tarnishes over time, forming
result in the formation of many substances, black Ag2S. Copper pots often develop a
including iron(II) oxide, FeO, and hydrated distinctive green patina when exposed to
iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3•nH2O. Iron is not the the elements.

204 Chapter 7
 Any process in which an element loses electrons during a chemi-
3 ASSESS
cal reaction is called oxidation. A reactant is oxidized if it loses Evaluate
electrons. Note that the modern definition of oxidation is much Understanding L2
broader than the original meaning. Oxygen doesn’t always have to be Have students draw and label illustrations
For: Links on oxidation and
present in order for an element to lose electrons. For example, when reduction of different reactions on index cards. Have
sodium reacts with chlorine, each neutral sodium atom loses one elec- Visit: www.SciLinks.org them exchange the cards and practice
tron and becomes a sodium ion, Na+. Web Code: ccn-1072 identifying each type of reaction.

Reduction As calcium atoms lose electrons during the synthesis of Reteach L1

calcium oxide, the oxygen atoms gain electrons. As each neutral oxygen
Make a chart of the number of reactants
atom gains two electrons, it becomes an ion with a charge of 2.
and products each reaction has.
O  2e h O2
The process in which an element gains electrons during a chemi-
cal reaction is called reduction. A reactant is said to be reduced if it
Synthesis: because two substances
gains electrons.
(oxygen and hydrogen) react to form
Oxidation and reduction always occur together. When one element
a single substance (water); combustion:
loses electrons, another element must gain electrons. Note that oxidation-
because the hydrogen reacts rapidly
reduction reactions do not always involve complete transfers of electrons. with oxygen, producing energy; and
For example, in the synthesis of water, hydrogen is oxidized as it partially oxidation-reduction: because electrons
loses electrons. Oxygen is reduced as it partially gains electrons. are partially transferred from the
hydrogen atoms to the oxygen

If your class subscribes

Section 7.2 Assessment to the Interactive Textbook, use it to
review key concepts in Section 7.2.

Reviewing Concepts Critical Thinking

1. What are five general types of reactions? 7. Predicting What is the product of the
2. How did the discovery of subatomic synthesis reaction between magnesium
particles affect the classification of reactions? and iodine? Explain your answer.
3. The synthesis of water is described by the 8. Classifying Identify these reactions as
equation 2H2  O2 h 2H2O. How is the synthesis, decomposition, single replacement,
decomposition of water related to this double replacement, or combustion. Download a worksheet on oxidation
reaction? Explain, using a chemical equation. a. Pb(NO3)2  2HCl h PbCl2  2HNO3 and reduction for students to
4. Explain the difference between a single- b. 2C2H6  7O2 h 4CO2  6H2O complete, and find additional
replacement reaction and a double- c. Ca  2HCl h CaCl2  H2 teacher support from NSTA SciLinks.
replacement reaction.
d. 2SO2  O2 h 2SO3
5. Propane, C3H8, is frequently used in camping
stoves. When propane undergoes combustion,
what are the products formed?
6. Is the reaction represented by the following
equation a redox reaction? Explain Answer to . . .
Explanatory Paragraph Write a paragraph
your answer. explaining why the formation of water can be Figure 14 None can be seen.
2Hg  O2 h 2HgO classified as a synthesis, combustion, or (The natural gas is being fed through
oxidation-reduction reaction.
the tubing; the oxygen reacting with the
gas is colorless; and the carbon dioxide
and water produced are both colorless.)
Chemical Reactions 205 However, the energy released by the
reaction can be seen in the blue flame.

Section 7.2 Assessment down into its elements, according to the 7. MgI2. In ionic compounds, magnesium has
equation 2H2O h 2H2  O2. a charge of 2 and iodine has a charge of 1.
1. Synthesis reaction, decomposition 4. In a single-replacement reaction, an 8. a. Double replacement
reaction, single-replacement reaction, element replaces another element in one b. Combustion
double-replacement reaction, and compound. In a double-replacement c. Single replacement
combustion reaction reaction, two elements replace each other in d. Synthesis
2. The discovery of subatomic particles two different compounds.
allowed scientists to classify certain reactions 5. Carbon dioxide and water
as transfers of electrons between atoms. 6. Yes, this is a redox reaction because electron
3. In the reaction 2H2  O2 h 2H2O, transfer takes place. The charge of mercury
water is formed from its elements. During the changes from 0 to 2 (oxidation). The charge
decomposition of water, water is broken of oxygen changes from 0 to 2 (reduction).

Chemical Reactions 205