AP Chemistry Flashcards: Types of Chemical Reactions
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
In the reaction Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu, the oxidation number of zinc changes from 0 to +2. What type of reaction is this?
This is an oxidation-reduction reaction because the change in zinc's oxidation number indicates a transfer of electrons.
Card 1 of 14
All Flashcards (14)
In the reaction Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu, the oxidation number of zinc changes from 0 to +2. What type of reaction is this?
This is an oxidation-reduction reaction because the change in zinc's oxidation number indicates a transfer of electrons.
A reaction where a proton is transferred from HBr to H₂O is classified as what type of reaction?
This is an acid-base reaction because it involves the transfer of a proton (H+ ion).
What is an acid-base reaction?
A reaction that involves the transfer of one or more protons (H+ ions) between chemical species.
List the four types of ions mentioned that always form salts that are soluble in water.
All sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), ammonium (NH₄⁺), and nitrate (NO₃⁻) salts are soluble in water.
What is an important subclass of oxidation-reduction reactions?
Combustion is an important subclass of redox reactions.
What is the key indicator that a redox reaction has occurred?
A change in the oxidation numbers assigned to the atoms in the reactants and products indicates a redox reaction has occurred.
According to the provided solubility rules, which of the following salts is guaranteed to be soluble in water: AgCl, PbSO₄, or KNO₃?
KNO₃ is guaranteed to be soluble because all potassium (K+) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) salts are soluble in water.
What fundamental particle is transferred in an acid-base reaction?
One or more protons (H+ ions) are transferred between chemical species in an acid-base reaction.
What fundamental particle is transferred in a redox reaction?
One or more electrons are transferred between chemical species in an oxidation-reduction reaction.
What is an effective way to identify the oxidized and reduced species in a redox reaction?
Assigning oxidation numbers to each of the atoms in the reactants and products is an effective way to identify the oxidized and reduced species.
What is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction?
A reaction involving the transfer of one or more electrons between chemical species, which is indicated by changes in oxidation numbers.
In a redox reaction, what is the direction of electron transfer?
Electrons are transferred from the species that is oxidized to the species that is reduced.
What is a precipitation reaction?
A reaction that frequently involves mixing ions in an aqueous solution to produce an insoluble or sparingly soluble ionic compound.
When aqueous solutions of lead(II) nitrate and potassium iodide are mixed, a solid forms. What type of reaction is this?
This is a precipitation reaction, as mixing ions in an aqueous solution produced an insoluble ionic compound.