Identify the reaction type shown and describe the clues that were used to identify it.

[tex] Fe_2O_3 + 2SiO_2 \rightarrow Fe_2Si_2O_7 [/tex]



Answer :

To identify the type of reaction shown in the given chemical equation:
[tex]\[ Fe_2O_3 + 2 SiO_2 \rightarrow Fe_2Si_2O_7 \][/tex]

We observe a few important clues:

1. Number of Products: We notice that the reaction produces only one product. The presence of a single product typically suggests that the reactants combine to form a more complex compound.

2. Combination of Reactants: The reactants [tex]\( Fe_2O_3 \)[/tex] (iron(III) oxide) and [tex]\( 2 SiO_2 \)[/tex] (silicon dioxide) clearly combine to form a more complex single product, [tex]\( Fe_2Si_2O_7 \)[/tex] (iron(III) silicon oxide).

Now that we have identified these clues, let’s classify the type of reaction:

- In this reaction, multiple reactants are merging to form a single, more complex product. This type of reaction is known as a combination reaction or synthesis reaction. Combination reactions are characterized by the combination of two or more substances to form a new, more complex substance.

To summarize our identification process:
1. We recognized that there's only one product in the equation.
2. We observed that the reactants are combining together to form a single, more complex product.

Therefore, the type of reaction shown in the given chemical equation:
[tex]\[ Fe_2O_3 + 2 SiO_2 \rightarrow Fe_2Si_2O_7 \][/tex]

is a Combination (synthesis) reaction.