Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive

Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition

Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook

Marieb, Hoehn 11th Edition

Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive

Problem 15

Chapter 2, Problem 15

Identify each reaction as one of the following:
a. A synthesis reaction
b. A decomposition reaction
c. An exchange reaction
(1) 2Hg + O₂ → 2HgO
(2) HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the types of chemical reactions. A synthesis reaction involves combining two or more reactants to form a single product. A decomposition reaction involves breaking down a compound into simpler substances. An exchange reaction involves swapping components between reactants to form new products.

Step 2: Analyze reaction (1): 2Hg + O₂ → 2HgO. Notice that two reactants (Hg and O₂) combine to form a single product (HgO). This fits the definition of a synthesis reaction.

Step 3: Analyze reaction (2): HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O. Observe that components of the reactants (HCl and NaOH) are exchanged to form new products (NaCl and H₂O). This fits the definition of an exchange reaction.

Step 4: Match each reaction to its type based on the analysis. Reaction (1) is a synthesis reaction, and reaction (2) is an exchange reaction.

Step 5: Review the definitions and ensure the reasoning aligns with the observed chemical changes in each reaction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Synthesis Reaction

A synthesis reaction, also known as a combination reaction, occurs when two or more reactants combine to form a single product. This type of reaction can be represented by the general equation A + B → AB. An example is the reaction of mercury and oxygen to form mercury(II) oxide, as seen in the first reaction provided.

Decomposition Reaction

A decomposition reaction involves the breakdown of a single compound into two or more simpler substances. This can be represented by the general equation AB → A + B. While the provided reactions do not include a decomposition example, it is important to recognize this type of reaction as the opposite of synthesis.

Exchange Reaction

An exchange reaction, also known as a double displacement reaction, occurs when parts of two compounds exchange places to form two new compounds. This can be represented by the general equation AB + CD → AD + CB. The second reaction, where hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium chloride and water, exemplifies this type of reaction.

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(a)

(b)

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A chemist, during the course of an analysis, runs across a chemical composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the proportion 1:2:1 and having a six-sided molecular shape. It is probably:

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