If you see bubbles, or a precipitate formed, that's a good sign that a chemical reaction is taking place. But do you know what KIND of chemical reaction? Chemists typically divide chemical reactions into 5 types: 1) Synthesis (aka Combination) 2) Decomposition (aka Analysis) 3) Single Displacement (aka Single Replacement) 4) Double Displacement (aka Double Replacement) 5) Combustion
Chemists typically divide chemical reactions into 5 types:
1) Synthesis (aka Combination)
2) Decomposition (aka Analysis)
3) Single Displacement (aka Single Replacement)
4) Double Displacement (aka Double Replacement)
5) Combustion
But there are other names you may have heard. Where do they fit in? For instance, Precipitation reactions are a specific kind of double-displacement reaction. Same with neutralization reactions (when an acid + base react with each other and "cancel each other out").
In this video, we’ll learn to recognize these different kinds of chemical reactions. We'll do this by learning the GENERAL FORMS of each kind of reaction. For example, the general form of a synthesis reaction is A+B yields AB.
We'll also learn example reactions. These two techniques together are very powerful—because when you come across a new kind of reaction, you'll be able to recognize the similarities to a chemical reaction you already know, and to recognize the general form. If you need more practice identifying types of chemical reactions, we have a practice test with full answer key available for purchase.
Video: 5 Types of Chemical Reactions
Handout: Video Notes Worksheet
Handout: Activity Series & Solubility Rules
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Full-length Practice Tests with Answer Keys