7.2 Types of Reactions
Reading Focus
Key Concepts
What are the general types of chemical reactions?- How did the discovery of subatomic particles affect the classification of reactions?
Vocabulary
synthesis reaction
decomposition reaction
single-replacement reaction
double-replacement reaction
combustion reaction
oxidation-reduction
Reading Strategy
Previewing Skim the section and begin a concept map like the one below that identifies types of reactions with a general form. As you read, add the general form of each type of reaction.
The walls of the cave shown in Figure 9 are solid limestone. When hydrochloric acid is dropped on limestone, a chemical reaction occurs in which a gas is produced. Geologists can use this reaction to determine whether a rock sample contains the mineral calcium carbonate, CaCO3. When a rock that contains calcium carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid, it fizzes. The gas in the bubbles is carbon dioxide.
Many other reactions produce carbon dioxide. For example, heating limestone produces carbon dioxide. So does burning gasoline. However, just because two reactions have the same product, you cannot assume that they are the same type of reaction.
Classifying Reactions
Just as you can classify matter into different types, you can classify chemical reactions into different types. Reactions are often classified by the type of reactant or the number of reactants and products. Some general types of chemical reactions are synthesis reactions, decomposition reactions, single-replacement reactions, double-replacement reactions, and combustion reactions. Each type describes a different way in which reactants interact to form products.
Figure 9 The walls and other formations of Blanchard Springs Caverns in Arkansas contain the mineral calcium carbonate, CaCO3.
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