High School Chemistry : Help with Addition Reactions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Help With Addition Reactions

Which of the following reactions is an example of an addition reaction?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Addition reactions follow the general pattern:

When magnesium combines with oxygen gas, it results in a compound with both of them in it. This makes it a simple addition reaction. In general, addition reactions have a greater number of reactant compounds than product compounds.

The other answer choices correspond to the reactions below:

Decomposition reaction:

Single-replacement reaction:

Double-replacement reaction:

Example Question #2 : Types Of Reactions

What is another term for an addition reaction?

Possible Answers:

Double-replacement reaction

Synthesis reaction

Hydrolysis reaction

Decomposition reaction

Single-replacement reaction 

Correct answer:

Synthesis reaction

Explanation:

Addition reactions occur when two molecules combine to form a larger one, leading to a release of energy. Addition reactions result in the synthesis of a new molecule, giving them their second name: synthesis reactions.

Many synthesis reactions can also be classified as dehydration reactions, if water is formed as a byproduct. One example of this is the addition of amino acids to form protein chains. Hydrolysis reactions use water as a reactant and are used to split molecules apart (decomposition).

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