New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Foundation

Three types of chemical reaction

I can use chemical equations to identify and describe oxidation, decomposition and precipitation reactions.

New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Foundation

Three types of chemical reaction

I can use chemical equations to identify and describe oxidation, decomposition and precipitation reactions.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In a chemical reaction the + symbol can be read as ‘and’ and the arrow as ‘changes into’.
  2. In an oxidation reaction a reactant combines with oxygen.
  3. In a decomposition reaction a reactant splits into two or more new substances.
  4. In a precipitation reaction an insoluble salt is formed.

Common misconception

Pupils *very* easily confuse different types of reactions.

Spend time developing ways to help pupils remember the differences and regularly challenge them to explain why one reaction is the type it is.

Keywords

  • Chemical equation - A chemical equation describes a reaction, indicating the reactants and products.

  • Oxidation - Oxidation is a type of reaction in which oxygen bonds to elements of the reactants.

  • Decomposition - Decomposition is a type of reaction in which a reactant compound breaks down into two or more products.

  • Precipitation - A reaction in which an insoluble salt forms from two solutions is called a precipitation reaction.

Create a circus of reactions during which pupils write the chemical equation to represent it and identify the type of reaction it is.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Loading...

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following are compounds?
O₂
Correct answer: NaCl
Potassium
Correct answer: Water
Correct answer: Silicon dioxide
Q2.
In a chemical reaction, what are the substances called that start the reaction?
Correct Answer: reactants
Q3.
True or false?: A physical change alters the chemical composition of the substance.
True
Correct answer: False
Q4.
Which of the following statements best describes a chemical change?
Ice melting into water
Water boiling into steam
Correct answer: Paper burning into ash
Sugar dissolving in water
Q5.
What is the term for a substance that does not dissolve in water?
Soluble
Correct answer: Insoluble
Miscible
Desirable
Unchangeable
Q6.
Name this chemical: MgO
magnesium oxygen
Correct answer: magnesium oxide
oxomagnesia
oxymagnesium

6 Questions

Q1.
What does the "+" symbol represent in a chemical equation?
Plus
Correct answer: And
Or
Equals
Q2.
In an oxidation reaction, what chemical substance does a reactant combine with?
Correct Answer: oxygen
Q3.
What is produced in a decomposition reaction?
A single new substance
Correct answer: Two or more new substances
An insoluble salt
Oxygen
Q4.
In a chemical equation the signifies "changes into", indicating the transformation of reactants into products.
Correct Answer: arrow
Q5.
A reaction that forms an insoluble salt when two solutions are mixed is called a reaction.
Correct Answer: precipitation
Q6.
Which of the following are oxidation reactions?
Correct answer: H₂ + O₂ → H₂O
Correct answer: CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
Correct answer: 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO
NaCl + AgNO₃ → AgCl + NaNO₃