Question

Classify the reaction that occurs between iron and oxygen and water. (synthesis, decomposition, combustion, single replacement, or double replacement). When the steel wool is placed in a jar, and and the jar is turned upside down, after time (days), I think oxidation happens and rust forms on the steel wool. I am unclear about what kind of reaction this would be.

Answer 1

A reaction between Iron and Oxygen is a combination/synthesis reaction.

This is because it is a combination of two reactants to form something big.

4Fe + 3O2 = 2Fe2O3

It is not a combustion reaction, all combustion reactions result in CO2 and H2O.

It is also not decomposition, decomposition is the reverse of synthesis/combination reaction.