Chemical Reactions and Equations Understanding the Basics
What are Chemical Reactions? Definition: A process that involves rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structure of a substance. Importance: Basis of all chemical processes in nature and industry.
Types of Chemical Reactions - Synthesis (Combination) Reaction - Decomposition Reaction - Single Displacement (Replacement) Reaction - Double Displacement (Replacement) Reaction - Combustion Reaction
Synthesis Reactions General Form: A + B → AB Example: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O Image: Synthesis Reaction
Decomposition Reactions General Form: AB → A + B Example: 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂ Image: Decomposition Reaction
Single Displacement Reactions General Form: A + BC → AC + B Example: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂ Image: Single Displacement Reaction
Double Displacement Reactions General Form: AB + CD → AD + CB Example: AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃ Image: Double Displacement Reaction
Endothermic Reactions Definition: Reactions that absorb energy from the surroundings. Example: Photosynthesis Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ Image: Endothermic Reaction
Exothermic Reactions Definition: Reactions that release energy to the surroundings. Example: Combustion of methane Equation: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O + energy Image: Exothermic Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations - Law of Conservation of Mass - Steps to Balance Equations Image: Balancing Equations
Steps to Balance Equations 1. Write the unbalanced equation. 2. Count atoms of each element. 3. Add coefficients to balance atoms. 4. Ensure the same number of atoms on both sides.
Practice Problems 1. Fe + O₂ → Fe₂O₃ 2. C₂H₆ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O