What type of chemical reaction is illustrated in the following example?
[tex]FeBr _3( aq )+ AgNO _3( aq ) \rightarrow Fe \left( NO _3\right)_3( aq )+ AgBr (s)[/tex]
A. combination reaction
B. decomposition reaction
C. single-replacement reaction
D. double-replacement reaction
Answer (1)
The reaction involves two reactants, F e B r 3 ( a q ) and A g N O 3 ( a q ) , forming two products, F e ( N O 3 ) 3 ( a q ) and A g B r ( s ) .
Combination and decomposition reactions are ruled out because they involve either combining reactants into one product or breaking down one reactant into multiple products, respectively.
Single-replacement reactions are ruled out because no single element is replacing another in a compound.
The reaction is a double-replacement reaction, where the ions of the two reactants exchange to form two new compounds.
Therefore, the answer is double-replacement reaction. d o u b l e − re pl a ce m e n t re a c t i o n
Explanation
Analyzing the Reaction We are given the chemical reaction: F e B r 3 ( a q ) + A g N O 3 ( a q ) → F e ( N O 3 ) 3 ( a q ) + A g B r ( s ) We need to identify the type of chemical reaction that is occurring.
Identifying the Reaction Type In a combination reaction , two or more reactants combine to form a single product. This is not the case here, as we have two reactants forming two products.
In a decomposition reaction , a single reactant breaks down into two or more products. This is also not the case here, as we have two reactants.
In a single-replacement reaction , one element replaces another element in a compound. For example, A + BC → A C + B . In our reaction, we don't see a single element replacing another in a compound.
In a double-replacement reaction , two compounds exchange ions or elements. For example, A B + C D → A D + CB . In our reaction, F e B r 3 and A g N O 3 exchange ions to form F e ( N O 3 ) 3 and A g B r . The F e 3 + ion combines with the N O 3 − ion, and the A g + ion combines with the B r − ion.
Conclusion Based on the analysis, the reaction is a double-replacement reaction because the ions of the two reactants are exchanged to form two new compounds.
Examples
Double-replacement reactions are commonly used in water treatment to remove unwanted ions. For example, barium chloride can be used to remove sulfate ions from water, forming barium sulfate, which is a precipitate that can be filtered out. This process is crucial for ensuring the safety and potability of drinking water. The reaction is: B a C l 2 ( a q ) + N a 2 S O 4 ( a q ) → B a S O 4 ( s ) + 2 N a Cl ( a q )
