Question

Types of Chemical Reactions?

Answer 1

I am going to assume you are talking about these, so I will list the vocabulary here just in case you need it for a test or something:

Synthesis - 2 Elements form 1 compounds
Example: A + B → AB

Decomposition - 1 Compound forms 2 elements
Example: AB → A + B

Single Replacement - Usually I only see this as 1 element and 1 compound forming a new element and new compound, but the real definition is that the element replaces one of the other elements in the compound.
Example: AB + C → AC + B

Double Replacement - 1 element from 2 compounds replaces each other in the reaction
Example: AB + CD → AC + BD

Combustion - Be careful as teachers will attempt to confuse you for this one. Combustion reactions usually look like double replacement reactions, however you should be able to tell the difference as combustion reactions should always produce H2O. If the chemical equation has the organic molecules of C, H, and O on the reactants side then usually CO2 is also a product. I have never seen an inorganic combustion reaction before, and I doubt your teacher would ever consider trying to put an inorganic combustion reaction on the test. They also almost always are exothermic reactions, so theoretically the chemical equation should show one of the products as heat, but usually my chemistry teacher left this fact off.

Assume the larger numbers to the right of letters are subscripts
Example of Organic combustion: CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

Sorry if the combustion post seems a bit long, usually it is the most confusing chemical reaction to people so I tried to explain it somewhat in depth. All you have to do is examine the products side; if there is H2O at the end, chances are it is a combustion reaction. Warning: There is a chance your teacher may include the chemical equation of: H2 + O → H2O. This is a synthesis reaction.