P ATTERNS OF C HEMICAL R EACTIONS By: Abby Marstiller, Paulina Pullin, Emily Henline

W HAT IS A CHEMICAL REACTION ? A chemical reaction involves the making or breaking of bonds between atoms. The total number of atoms remains the same but the combinations are different. Most chemical reactions have one of three recognizable patterns; Synthesis Reactions, Decomposition Reactions, and Exchange Reactions.

S YNTHESIS R EACTIONS : Synthesis reactions occur when two or more atoms or molecules combine to form a larger, more complex molecule. The reactants may be elements or compounds, but the product is always a compound. Can be represented as A+B  AB Responsible for growth and repair of old tissue

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D ECOMPOSITION R EACTIONS : Decomposition reactions occur when a molecule is broken down into smaller molecules, atoms, or ions. Represented by AB  A+B Decomposition reactions are the reverse of synthesis reactions. Important in food digestion

E XCHANGE R EACTIONS : Exchange reactions involve both synthesis and decomposition reactions. Bonds are both made and broken During exchange reactions a switch is made between molecule parts and different molecules are made. Indicated as AB + C  AC + B and AB + CD  CB

Works Cited: Marieb, Elaine N. “Patterns of Chemical Reactions. ” Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology. Editor: Serina Beauparlant. 8. San Fransisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings, , 38, 39.