3.1: Word Equations

Similar to how we can take a mathematical sentence and write it into a numerical equation, the same can be done for chemical reactions. 

Read page 42 of the textbook: Word Equations and Writing Word Equations

1. List three things you have learned about chemical reactions.

2. Why do chemists use word equations to represent chemical reactions?

3. Describe the standard format for writing word equations for a chemical reaction.

4. What is the purpose of the plus (+) in a word equation that represents a chemical reaction?

There are four general categories of chemical reactions:

1. Composition (formation)

2. Decomposition

3. Combustion

4. Neutralization

When you have two elements that are combined, they form a compound. Think of it similar to a mathematical equation.

3.2: Types of Reactions