Question

"Classify the following reactions as synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, or double replacement. Type your answer in the box to the right of each equation.

5. Mg + 2HCl → H2 + MgCl2
6. 2H2O2 + 2H2O + O2
7. HCl + AgNO2 → AgCl + HNO2
8. 2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl

Please specify the type of reaction for each of the equations: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, or double replacement."

Answer 1

Each reaction is classified based on the chemical process occurring: Mg + 2HCl is a single replacement, 2H2O2 decomposing into 2H2O + O2 is a decomposition, HCl + AgNO2 forming AgCl + HNO2 is a double replacement, and 2Na + Cl2 producing 2NaCl is a synthesis reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's classify each of the given reactions:

• 5. Mg + 2HCl → H2 + MgCl2: This is a single replacement reaction where magnesium (Mg) replaces the hydrogen (H) in hydrochloric acid (HCl).
• 6. 2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2: This is a decomposition reaction where hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) breaks down into water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2).
• 7. HCl + AgNO2 → AgCl + HNO2: This is a double replacement reaction where the ions in the reactants exchange partners, forming new compounds.
• 8. 2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl: This is a synthesis reaction where sodium (Na) combines with chlorine gas (Cl2) to form sodium chloride (NaCl).

Recognizing these reactions involves understanding the general characteristics of each type. In a single replacement reaction an element replaces another in a compound, often with the help of an activity series to determine if the reaction will occur. A double replacement reaction typically involves ionic compounds where the cations and anions swap places, and a synthesis reaction involves combining elements or simpler compounds into a more complex one. Conversely, a decomposition reaction involves a single compound breaking down into simpler substances.