Question

By now, you are familiar with enough chemical compounds to begin to write your own chemical reaction equations. Write two examples each of what we mean by a synthesis reaction and by a decomposition reaction.

Short answer

Examples of Synthesis Reactions: 1. \(2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O\) (Hydrogen gas and oxygen gas react to form water) 2. \(2Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl\) (Sodium and chlorine gas react to form sodium chloride) Examples of Decomposition Reactions: 1. \(CaCO_3 \rightarrow CaO + CO_2\) (Calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide when heated) 2. \(2H_2O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O + O_2\) (Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen gas)

Step-by-step solution

Choose Simple Compounds

Select two simple compounds that can combine to form a more complex compound. In this case, let's choose hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2).

Combine the Compounds

Next, combine the selected compounds to form a new, more complex compound. By this, we mean that hydrogen gas and oxygen gas will react to form water (H2O). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: \(2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O\) Example 2: Synthesis Reaction

Choose Simple Compounds

Select two simple compounds that can combine to form a more complex compound. In this case, let's choose sodium (Na) and chlorine gas (Cl2).

Combine the Compounds

Next, combine the selected compounds to form a new, more complex compound. By this, we mean that sodium and chlorine gas will react to form sodium chloride (NaCl). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: \(2Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl\) Example 1: Decomposition Reaction

Choose a Complex Compound

Select a complex compound that can be broken down into simpler compounds. In this case, let's choose calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

Decompose the Compound

Next, write the balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of the chosen compound. Calcium carbonate will decompose into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) when heated. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: \(CaCO_3 \rightarrow CaO + CO_2\) Example 2: Decomposition Reaction

Choose a Complex Compound

Select a complex compound that can be broken down into simpler compounds. In this case, let's choose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Decompose the Compound

Next, write the balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of the chosen compound. Hydrogen peroxide will decompose into water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: \(2H_2O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O + O_2\)