Chemical Reactions

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A series of free High School Chemistry Video Lessons.

In this lesson, we will learn

• Synthesis Reaction
• Combustion Reaction
• Decomposition Reaction
• Single Replacement Reaction

Synthesis Reaction
A synthesis reaction is a type of reaction in which multiple reactants combine to form a single product. Synthesis reactions release energy in the form of heat and light, so they are exothermic. An example of a synthesis reaction is the formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen. Synthesis is, in essence, the reversal of a decomposition reaction.
Recognizing and understanding synthesis reactions. Determining Products of a Synthesis Reaction Combustion Reaction
A combustion reaction (commonly known as burning) is an exothermic reaction in which something reacts with oxygen. The combustion of organic compounds usually takes the form organic compound + oxygen => water + carbon dioxide.
Recognizing and understanding combustion reactions. Decomposition Reaction
A decomposition reaction is a reaction in which a single reactant produces multiple products. An example of a decomposition reaction is when water is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen. In essence, decomposition is the opposite of a synthesis reaction.
Recognizing and understanding decomposition reactions. Single Replacement Reaction
In a single replacement reaction, a single element replaces an atom in a compound producing a new compound and a pure element. Like double replacement reactions, metals always replace metals and nonmetals always replace nonmetals in a compound.
Recognizing and understanding single replacement reactions.

This video explains Single Replacement Reactions in a very simple way. During the video, press pause to try some of the single replacement problems on your own. To solve single replacement reactions, you'll need an activity series.