Identifying types of reactions
Synthesis, decomposition, single and double replacement, combustion.
The common mistake
Mixing up single replacement (element swaps into a compound) with double replacement (two compounds swap partners).
Instead: Count what's on the left: element + compound → single replacement; compound + compound → double replacement; fuel + O₂ → combustion.
Worked example with Guide me
Classify Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu.
- Sugar · What's on the left?Student · An element and a compound.
- Sugar · What happens?Student · Zinc takes copper's place.
Answer: Single replacement
Try 3 practice questions
1. 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂ is…?
Show answer
Decomposition
2. AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃ is…?
Show answer
Double replacement
3. CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O is…?
Show answer
Combustion
Quick answers
- What is the most common mistake with identifying types of reactions?
- Mixing up single replacement (element swaps into a compound) with double replacement (two compounds swap partners).
- How do I get identifying types of reactions right?
- Count what's on the left: element + compound → single replacement; compound + compound → double replacement; fuel + O₂ → combustion.
- Can you show a worked example?
- Classify Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu. Single replacement
Related concepts
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