Which chemical equation models a synthesis reaction?

A. H_2O + CO_2 \rightarrow H_2CO_3
B. HCl + LiOH \rightarrow LiCl + H_2O
C. 2Na + MgCl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl + Mg
D. CO_2 \rightarrow C + O_2

1 answer

A synthesis reaction, also known as a combination reaction, occurs when two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

Let's analyze the options given:

A. \( \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \) - This is a synthesis reaction because two reactants combine to form one product (carbonic acid).

B. \( \text{HCl} + \text{LiOH} \rightarrow \text{LiCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \) - This is a neutralization reaction, not a synthesis reaction.

C. \( 2\text{Na} + \text{MgCl}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{NaCl} + \text{Mg} \) - This is a single replacement reaction, not a synthesis reaction.

D. \( \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{C} + \text{O}_2 \) - This is a decomposition reaction, not a synthesis reaction.

The only equation that represents a synthesis reaction is:

A. \( \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \).