Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual
Types of Chemical Reaction
Identify and describe four types of chemical reaction: combustion (burning in oxygen), oxidation (gain of oxygen), thermal decomposition (breaking down by heat), and displacement (more reactive metal replaces less reactive one)
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
- Writes a word equation for each type of reaction with an example
- Identifies the type of reaction from a given word equation or description
- Explains what makes a displacement reaction happen (relative reactivity)
- Distinguishes complete combustion (CO₂ and H₂O) from incomplete combustion (CO and soot)
Assessment prompt
If Types of Chemical Reaction saw iron going rusty and a candle burning, could they explain what type of chemical reaction is happening in each case — and write a simple word equation for one of them?
Standards alignment
MS-PS1-2US · ngss-ms
MS-PS1-2
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Chem.CR.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Types of Chemical Reactions
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3