How will I know the product in a chemical reaction with reactants given?

Question

How will I know the product in a chemical reaction with reactants given?

Answer 1

There are four fundamental types of chemical reactions. By analyzing the type of chemical reaction you're working with and by using the charactoristics of the particular type it belongs to, you may be able to predict the products. Always remember that all elements from the reactants will definitely turn up in the products.

1) Combination Reactions: in which two or more reactants form one product. E.g. O2 (oxygen) +H2 (hydrogen) =H2O (water)

2)Decomposition Reactions: in which a compound breaks down into two or more substances, usually as a result of heating.

E.g. H2O=O2+H2

3)Single Displacement Reactions: when an atom (or ion) of one compound is replaced by an atom of another element.

E.g. Zn (zinc) + CuSO4 (copper sulphate) = Cu (copper) + ZnSO4 (zinc sulphate)

4) Double Displacement Reactions : elements from two different compounds displace each other to form two new compounds

E.g. HCl (hydrochloric acid) + NaOH (sodium hydroxide) = NaCl (sodium chloride) + H2O (water)

You may simply observe the "movement" of elements between compounds.

However for some very complicated reactions, it's better to look them up in books or consult your Chemistry teacher, since not all of them may fit into the four types mentioned above.

Answer 2

it depends on the type of chemical reaction

for ex.

1.combination-2 combine to become 1

so,

Answer 3

it depends completely on the reactants. For example:

Copper + Chlorine -> Copper Chloride

Magnesium + Sulphuric Acid -> Magnesium Sulphate

Carbon + (heat) + Oxygen -> Carbon Dioxide

I had trouble too, but you just look at the reactants and put them in the most logical name. Once you learn the basics, you'll zoom through it,