Characteristics of a Chemical Reaction

Characteristic Description Example
Evolution of Gas Occurs when a gas is released during a reaction. Zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas and zinc chloride: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2
Change in Color Characterized by a visible alteration in color. Lead nitrate and potassium iodide react to form a yellow precipitate of lead iodide and colorless potassium nitrate: Pb(NO3)2 + 2KI → PbI2 (yellow precipitate) + 2KNO3
Change in Temperature Accompanied by a detectable temperature shift, indicating exothermic or endothermic reactions. Varied, depending on whether the reaction absorbs or releases energy.
Change in Energy Involves energy either being released or absorbed. Combustion reactions release energy, e.g., burning fuel.
Formation of Precipitate Involves solid formation from a liquid solution. Barium chloride reacts with sodium sulfate to form barium sulfate precipitate and sodium chloride: BaCl2 + Na2SO4 → BaSO4 (precipitate) + NaCl
Change in State Involves a transition from one state of matter to another. Ammonia gas reacts with hydrogen chloride gas to form solid ammonium chloride: NH3(g) + HCl(g) → NH4Cl(s)

Types of Chemical Reactions

Types of Chemical Reactions as the name suggests explores the classification of various types of chemical reactions based on different parameters. As we are surrounded by chemical reactions in our daily lives. From burning a match stick to making food all of the things and events in our lives involve various types of chemical reactions. Understanding the different types of chemical reactions is key to understanding how matter changes and interacts with one another. From combustion reactions that power our cars and homes, to acid-base reactions that occur in our bodies and the natural world, there are many different types of chemical reactions with a wide range of applications

Combination, decomposition, single-replacement, double-replacement, redox, combustion, precipitation, neutralization, etc. are some of the types of chemical reactions using various parameters as the basis. In this article, we will learn about it all the types of chemical reactions and the various bases for these classifications of chemical reactions as well.

Table of Content

  • What is Chemical Reaction?
  • Characteristics of a Chemical Reaction
  • Types of Chemical Reactions
  • Some Other Chemical Reactions
  • Common Chemical Reactions
  • Sample Questions on Types of Chemical Reactions

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What is Chemical Reaction?

A chemical reaction is a process in which the bonds are broken within reactant molecules, and in order to form a new substance which is the result of new bonds formation in product molecules. This can be seen in a chemical reaction as the change in state, change in color, the evolution of gas, and change in temperature....

Characteristics of a Chemical Reaction

Characteristic Description Example Evolution of Gas Occurs when a gas is released during a reaction. Zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas and zinc chloride: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2 Change in Color Characterized by a visible alteration in color. Lead nitrate and potassium iodide react to form a yellow precipitate of lead iodide and colorless potassium nitrate: Pb(NO3)2 + 2KI → PbI2 (yellow precipitate) + 2KNO3 Change in Temperature Accompanied by a detectable temperature shift, indicating exothermic or endothermic reactions. Varied, depending on whether the reaction absorbs or releases energy. Change in Energy Involves energy either being released or absorbed. Combustion reactions release energy, e.g., burning fuel. Formation of Precipitate Involves solid formation from a liquid solution. Barium chloride reacts with sodium sulfate to form barium sulfate precipitate and sodium chloride: BaCl2 + Na2SO4 → BaSO4 (precipitate) + NaCl Change in State Involves a transition from one state of matter to another. Ammonia gas reacts with hydrogen chloride gas to form solid ammonium chloride: NH3(g) + HCl(g) → NH4Cl(s)...

Types of Chemical Reactions

Based on the different properties, types of change or reactants and products, we can classify chemical reactions. Some of these classifications on various basis are as follows:...

Some Other Chemical Reactions

Other than all the above-mentioned types, there are some more important types of reactions that are used throughout the study of chemistry. These types are explained as follows:...

Common Chemical Reactions

This table presenting common chemical reactions and their equations:...

Sample Questions on Types of Chemical Reactions

Question 1: Guess the type of reaction given below:...

Types of Chemical Reaction – FAQs

Define Chemical Reaction...