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5 Types of Chemical Reactions Class Demonstrations

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Use these in class demonstrations to show the 5 different types of chemical reactions to your students!

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Grade Level: High School
Discipline: Physical Science, Chemistry
Standards: NGSS Science Standards 
MS-PS1-5. Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved. Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction. HS-PS1-7.

Use this Types of Chemical Reactions Lab Worksheet to bring textbook examples to life. 
In this interactive lab, students will witness firsthand five different types of chemical reactions:

  1. Synthesis Reaction - Two or more reactants combine to form a single product. Magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.
  2. Double Replacement Reaction - Parts of two compounds exchange to form two new compounds. Lead(II) nitrate reacts with potassium iodide to produce lead(II) iodide and potassium nitrate.
  3. Decomposition Reaction - A single compound breaks down into two or more products. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes to produce oxygen gas and water.
  4. Single Replacement Reaction - An element replaces a component in a compound, forming a new element and compound. Magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas.
  5. Combustion - A substance reacts with oxygen gas, releasing energy. The popping sound in the burning splint test after the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid is sometimes called the ‘bark of hydrogen’. When hydrogen gas meets oxygen in the air and a flame, it lets out a little bark.

These demonstrations reinforce key chemistry concepts, such as balancing chemical equations, recognizing reaction patterns, and the law of conservation of mass. Students can observe chemical changes, such as gas production, temperature shifts, and precipitate formation. 

Learn more by downloading the activity plan above. 

Recommended Products

Magnesium ribbon, 25g
1M Potassium Iodide solution, 500mL
0.1M Potassium Iodide solution, 500mL*
1M Lead(II) Nitrate solution, 500mL
0.1M Lead(II) Nitrate solution, 500mL*
Magnesium Shavings, 100g
3M Hydrochloric acid solution, 500mL
30% Hydrogen Peroxide, 100mL

*This experiment will also work with lower concentrations of lead nitrate and potassium iodide, requiring less waste to dispose of. 

Safety Tip

Avoid purchasing bulk chemicals beyond your needs to prevent future challenges with storage, disposal, or managing leftover materials. For more safety guidance, check out this article.

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