What are chemical reactions and equations?

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Detailed Solution

A chemical reaction is a process in which one or more substances (called reactants) change into new substances (called products).

Mg + O₂ → MgO

How do you know a chemical reaction has occurred?

What is a Chemical Equation?

A chemical equation is a shorthand way to write a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas.

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

Balanced Chemical Equation

The number of atoms on both sides must be equal because of the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Example:

Unbalanced: H₂ + O₂ → H₂O

Balanced: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

Types of Chemical Reactions

Type	Example
Combination Reaction	CaO + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂
Decomposition Reaction	2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
Displacement Reaction	Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
Double Displacement Reaction	NaCl + AgNO₃ → NaNO₃ + AgCl
Redox Reaction	Oxidation & Reduction happen together