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Lesson 11 of 13

The big picture

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Every idea here is one rule and one equation.

Chemical Reactions and Equations — the big picture
IdeaRememberExample
New substanceReactants in, products outmagnesium ribbon → white powder
Words to formulaeWord sentence, then formulaeH₂ + O₂ → H₂O
BalancingEach atom's count must match2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
CombinationMany reactants join into one; some give out heatC + O₂ → CO₂
DecompositionOne reactant splits into many; the splits here take in energyCaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂
DisplacementA free element swaps inZn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
Double displacementTwo compounds swap partners; cross the charges, cut down; a solid is a precipitateCuSO₄ + 2NaOH → Cu(OH)₂ + Na₂SO₄
RedoxGain oxygen = oxidised; lose = reducedCuO + H₂ → Cu + H₂O
Slow reactionsRemove air or water, it slowsrusting needs both

Write a change with symbols. Then read its shape: one product, many products, or a swap.

Open Chapter 1 in your Class 10 book, Science. It goes further into each shape and its heat change.