Types of Reactions and Reaction Rates

Types of Reactions There are 6 types of chemical reactions. For this class we will discuss 4 of them. All chemical reactions have the potential to be exothermic or endothermic. Exothermic reaction= A chemical reaction that produces/releases heat. An exothermic reaction transfers energy from the reactants to the surroundings.

Endothermic reaction= A chemical reaction that absorbs heat. An endothermic reaction transfers energy from the surroundings into the reactants.

1) Synthesis reaction= Two or more simple compounds combine to form a more complex one. A + B  AB 2) Decomposition reaction= A complex compound breaks down to make simpler ones. AB  A + B 3) Single displacement reaction= This is when one element trades places with another in a compound. A + BC  AC + B

4) Acid & Base reactions= This is a special type of double displacement reaction that occurs when an acid and a base react with each other. Most times this results in water and salt being produced. Acid + Base  Water + Salt

Reaction Rates Chemical reactions occur at different rates. These rates tell how fast the chemical reaction is taking place. Reaction rates are important in industry because the faster the product can be made, the less it usually costs. 3 things affect reaction rates: temperature, concentration and catalysts.

Generally the higher the temperature the faster the reaction rate. Generally the more concentration of substance the faster the reaction rate. Addition of a catalyst will always speed up a reaction.