Types Of Chemical Reactions

Millions of different types of chemical reactions occur every day. The reaction in
which a chemical substance transforms into another new chemical substance is
known as a chemical reaction. A chemical change involves the formation of new
substances whereas a physical change involves a change in colour or state and no new
substances are formed.
During a chemical reaction, the substances that react are known as reactants whereas
the substances that are formed during a chemical reaction are known as products. Six
common types of chemical reactions are discussed below.

Types Of Chemical Reactions Explanation General Reaction

Two or more compounds combine

Combination reaction A + B → AB
to form one compound.

The opposite of a combination

reaction – a complex molecule
Decomposition reaction AB → A + B
breaks down to make simpler
ones.

Two solutions of soluble salts are

A + Soluble salt B →
Precipitation reaction mixed resulting in an insoluble
Precipitate + soluble salt C
solid (precipitate) forming.

An acid and a base react with each

Neutralization reaction other. Generally, the product of Acid + Base → Salt + Water
this reaction is a salt and water.

Oxygen combines with a

compound to form carbon dioxide
Combustion reaction and water. These reactions are A + O2 → H2O + CO2
exothermic, meaning they give off
heat.

One element takes place with

Displacement reaction A + BC → AC + B
another element in the compound.