Steel wool [iron] is burned in the presence of oxygen in the air and makes iron oxide: is this a combination, decomposition, or replacement reaction?
Fe+ O2 ...FeO?
looks like synthesis to me. Well, an old word for synthesis is combination.
http://misterguch.brinkster.net/6typesofchemicalrxn.html
The reaction of steel wool (iron) burning in the presence of oxygen in the air to form iron oxide is a combination reaction. In a combination reaction, two or more substances combine to form a single product. In this case, iron (Fe) from the steel wool reacts with oxygen (O2) in the air to form iron oxide (Fe2O3).
To determine whether the burning of steel wool in the presence of oxygen is a combination, decomposition, or replacement reaction, we need to understand the definitions of these types of reactions:
1. Combination reaction: This type of reaction occurs when two or more substances combine to form a new compound. The general form is A + B → AB.
2. Decomposition reaction: This type of reaction occurs when a compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. The general form is AB → A + B.
3. Replacement reaction: Also known as a single displacement reaction, this type of reaction occurs when an element replaces another element within a compound. The general form is A + BC → AC + B.
In the case of burning steel wool (which is mainly iron) in the presence of oxygen, the reaction can be represented as:
Iron (Fe) + Oxygen (O₂) → Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃)
Here, the iron in the steel combines with the oxygen in the air to form iron oxide. Since two elements are combining to form a compound, this reaction is classified as a combination reaction.
Therefore, the burning of steel wool in the presence of oxygen can be identified as a combination reaction.