Verified Answer :

  • Analyze reactants (\(Ca\), \(Cl_2\)) and products (\(CaCl_2\)).
  • Identify the reaction pattern: two elements combining into one compound.
  • Match the pattern with defined reaction types: this is a synthesis reaction.
  • Final answer: \(\boxed{\text{synthesis}}\).

Explanation

  1. Analysis of the Reaction Components

The chemical reaction given is \(Ca + Cl_2 \rightarrow CaCl_2\). We observe the reactants on the left side of the equation: Calcium (\(Ca\)) and Chlorine gas (\(Cl_2\)). Both are elements in their elemental form. The product on the right side is Calcium Chloride (\(CaCl_2\)), which is a single compound formed by the union of calcium and chlorine.

  1. Classification of the Reaction Type

We evaluate the reaction based on standard types:

  • Synthesis (or Combination): A reaction where two or more substances combine to form a single new substance (\(A + B \rightarrow AB\)).
  • Combustion: A reaction that typically involves oxygen (\(O_2\)) as a reactant and releases energy, often in the form of heat or light.
  • Single replacement: A reaction where one element replaces another in a compound (\(A + BC \rightarrow AC + B\)).
  • Double replacement: A reaction where the components of two compounds exchange places to form two new compounds (\(AB + CD \rightarrow AD + CB\)).

Comparing our reaction \(Ca + Cl_2 \rightarrow CaCl_2\) to these definitions, we see that two distinct elements are combining to form one single compound, which matches the definition of a synthesis reaction. It does not fit the criteria for combustion (no oxygen reactant), single replacement, or double replacement.

  1. Conclusion

Based on the classification, the chemical reaction \(Ca + Cl_2 \rightarrow CaCl_2\) is a synthesis reaction. The final answer is \(\boxed{\text{synthesis}}\).

Examples

Synthesis reactions are fundamental in both laboratory settings and industry. For instance, the creation of table salt (\(NaCl\)) from sodium and chlorine gas is a classic example of a synthesis reaction, much like the one between calcium and chlorine to produce calcium chloride. Understanding these reactions allows scientists to predict how new materials can be synthesized and how chemicals interact to form necessary compounds for manufacturing and medicine.

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