Classify the type of reaction represented by the following equation:

[tex]\[ SiCl_4(l) + 2 Mg(s) \rightarrow 2 MgCl_2(s) + Si(s) \][/tex]



Answer :

To classify the type of reaction represented by the given equation:

[tex]\[ SiCl_4(l) + 2Mg(s) \rightarrow 2MgCl_2(s) + Si(s) \][/tex]

we need to carefully analyze the reactants and products and their roles in the reaction.

Step 1: Identify the Nature of Reactants and Products:

- Reactants:
- [tex]\(SiCl_4(l)\)[/tex]: Silicon tetrachloride, a compound with silicon bonded to chlorine.
- [tex]\(2Mg(s)\)[/tex]: Magnesium, in its elemental solid form.

- Products:
- [tex]\(2MgCl_2(s)\)[/tex]: Magnesium chloride, a compound consisting of magnesium bonded to chlorine.
- [tex]\(Si(s)\)[/tex]: Silicon, in its elemental solid form.

Step 2: Determine the Type of Reaction Based on Changes:

- A single displacement reaction (also known as a single replacement reaction) occurs when an element reacts with a compound and displaces another element from that compound. This typically involves a more reactive element displacing a less reactive element from a compound.

- In the given reaction, magnesium (Mg) displaces silicon (Si) from silicon tetrachloride (SiCl[tex]\(_4\)[/tex]). As a result, magnesium chloride (MgCl[tex]\(_2\)[/tex]) and elemental silicon (Si) are formed.

The reaction can be visualized as:
[tex]\[ SiCl_4 + 2Mg \rightarrow 2MgCl_2 + Si \][/tex]

Step 3: Confirm the Displacement:

- Magnesium (Mg) takes the place of silicon (Si) in the compound [tex]\(SiCl_4\)[/tex], leading to the formation of [tex]\(MgCl_2\)[/tex] and freeing silicon (Si) as a product.

Step 4: Conclusion:

- Since the reaction involves one element (magnesium) displacing another element (silicon) from a compound, we classify this reaction as a Single Displacement Reaction.

Hence, the type of reaction represented by the given equation is a Single Displacement Reaction.