Reaction Type Synthesis
Synthesis are, at this introductory level, that two pieces join together to produce one, more complex compound. These pieces can be elements or simpler compounds. Complex simply means that the product compound has more atoms than the reactant molecules. Usually!!
Written using generic symbols, it is usually shown as:
A + B à AB
These are some examples: (These are balanced)
Mg + O2 à MgO
H2 + O2 à H2O
K + Cl2 à KCl
Fe + O2 à Fe2O3
Notice that two elements are combining in each example. Synthesis can also be two compounds making a more complex compound (or a compound and an element joining together) as in these examples:
CaO + CO2 à CaCO3
Na2O + CO2 à Na2CO3
KCl + O2 à KClO3
Ba(ClO3)2 à BaCl2 + O2
Notice how, in every case so far, there is only one substance on the right-hand (product) side. This is not always the case in a synthesis reaction. Sometimes there will be two products. Here's an example:
CO2 + H2O à C6H12O6 + O2
The majority of what you will see at this level will be two substances combining to make one product.