Module 12 Types of Chemical Reaction

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Lesson 12

 TYPES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS

Chemical reactions are fundamental processes that occur in the world of


chemistry. They involve the transformation of substances into new substances
through the rearrangement of atoms. Understanding the different types of
chemical reactions is essential for predicting and interpreting the behavior of
chemical systems. In this module, we will explore the major types of chemical
reactions in greater detail.

Combination Reactions

Combination reactions, also known as synthesis reactions, occur when


two or more substances combine to form a single product. This type of reaction
often involves the joining of elements or compounds. The general form of a
combination reaction is:

A + B → AB

Example: Hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) react to form water (H2O).

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

Decomposition Reactions

Decomposition reactions involve the breakdown of a compound into two


or more simpler substances. This type of reaction is essentially the reverse of a
combination reaction. The general form of a decomposition reaction is:

AB → A + B

Example: Water (H2O) decomposes into hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2).

2H2O → 2H2 + O2

Displacement Reactions

Displacement reactions, also called replacement reactions, occur when


one element displaces another element in a compound. There are two types of
displacement reactions:

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Single Displacement
A more reactive element replaces a less reactive element in a
compound. The general form of a single displacement reaction is:

A + BC → AC + B

Example: Zinc (Zn) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), displacing hydrogen to
form zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2).

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2

Single displacement reactions are guided by the reactivity of elements.


The Activity Series is a list of metals in order of their reactivity, from the most
reactive to the least reactive. It allows us to predict whether a displacement
reaction will occur based on the relative positions of the elements in the
series. A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its
compound in a single displacement reaction. A metal higher in the Activity
Series can replace a metal lower in the Activity Series in a compound.

Example: Suppose we have a solution of copper sulfate (CuSO 4) and we


introduce a strip of zinc (Zn) into the solution. Since zinc is higher in the
Activity Series than copper, the following reaction will occur:

Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu

The zinc displaces copper from the copper sulfate solution, resulting in the
formation of zinc sulfate and copper.

Double Displacement
In double displacement reactions, ions of two compounds exchange
places to form two new compounds. The general form of a double displacement
reaction is:

AB + CD → AD + CB

Example: Silver nitrate (AgNO3) reacts with sodium chloride (NaCl), resulting in
the formation of silver chloride (AgCl) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3).

AgNO3 + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO3

Double displacement reactions often occur in aqueous solutions, where


the ions in the compounds dissociate. When solutions of two ionic compounds
are mixed, the positive ion of one compound combines with the negative ion of
the other compound to form two new compounds.

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Precipitation Reactions
A common type of double displacement reaction is a precipitation
reaction. In precipitation reactions, an insoluble solid compound, known as a
precipitate, forms when two aqueous solutions are mixed. This occurs when the
positive and negative ions in the solution combine to form an insoluble
compound.

Example: Silver nitrate (AgNO3) reacts with sodium chloride (NaCl), resulting in
the formation of silver chloride (AgCl) as a solid precipitate and sodium nitrate
(NaNO3) in the solution.

AgNO3 (aq) + NaCl (aq) → AgCl (s) + NaNO3 (aq)

Combustion Reactions

Combustion reactions involve the rapid combination of a substance with


oxygen, resulting in the release of heat and light energy. Most commonly,
combustion reactions involve hydrocarbons reacting with oxygen. The general
form of a combustion reaction is:

Fuel + O2 → CO2 + H2O

Example: Propane (C3H8) undergoes combustion with oxygen (O2), producing


carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

Combustion reactions are exothermic and often accompanied by the


production of flames and the release of energy in the form of heat and light.

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions, short for reduction-oxidation reactions, involve the


transfer of electrons between reactants. One species undergoes oxidation
(loses electrons), while the other undergoes reduction (gains electrons). Redox
reactions are commonly encountered in various chemical processes.

Example: Magnesium (Mg) reacts with oxygen (O2), where magnesium is


oxidized (loses electrons) and oxygen is reduced (gains electrons), resulting in
the formation of magnesium oxide (MgO).

2Mg + O2 → 2MgO (Mg is oxidized, O2 is reduced)

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Redox reactions are characterized by changes in the oxidation states of
elements. They play a crucial role in energy production, electrochemical
processes, and numerous biological reactions.

 LEARNING ACTIVITY
Identify the type of reaction for each of the following:
1. 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
2. 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
3. NaCl + AgNO3 → AgCl + NaNO3
4. CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
5. Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2
6. C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
7. HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O
8. Fe + S → FeS
9. NH3 + HCl → NH4Cl
10. Al + CuSO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + Cu

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