Question

i'm having trouble classifying chemical reactions. i'm not really understanding how I know what type of reaction occurred?
The first reaction I need to classify is rust. Fe+O2=Fe2O3. This is decomposition right?

My second reaction is Catalase breaking down hydrogen peroxide. H2O2=H2O+O2. Would this be Synthesis?

My third reaction is Between zinc and acetic acid (vinegar) Zn+HC2H3O2=Zn(CH3COO)x+H2. I'm completely lost on this one...
and my final reaction is between magnesium sulfate and ammonia. MgSO4+2NH4OH=(NH4)2SO4+Mg(OH)2 lost on this as well... Please explain? Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

The first one not "\(decomposition\)". To decompose means to break down. And, from the looks of it, you're actually building. Yes? You have two things, A + B to make AB.

Answer 2

Isn't rust was a breakdown of metal?

Answer 3

No. Take a look at your reaction. What does it say.

Answer 4

I think you have synthesis and decomposition mixed up.

Answer 5

oh... So decomposition is a breakdown...What does synthesis do exactly?

Answer 6

Synthesis is taking two simple things and making something more complex. Basically, building.

Answer 7

So rust would be synthesis and catalase breaking down hydrogen peroxide would be decomposition correct? what about the other two?

Answer 8

Yes.
What do you think the other two are? Take a guess. It's not synthesis, it's not decomposition, it's definitely not combustion (product of combustion is always \(\sf \color{red}{CO_2 + H_2O}\). What are you left with?

Answer 9

\(\sf \huge HINT\): does the reaction have any molecules that contain only one element? Meaning, \(\sf \color{red}{single}\)...

Answer 10

Single replacement and double replacement I think? Single replacement would be the zinc and acetic acid? I think?

Answer 11

Yes. Correct.

Answer 12

Ok that makes so much more sence now! And magnesium sulfate and ammonia would be double replacement since we are dealing with two elements?

Answer 13

Yes. Two elements are being displaced.

Answer 14

Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it! (=