To determine which chemical equation models a synthesis reaction, we need to understand what a synthesis reaction is.
A synthesis reaction occurs when two or more reactants combine to form a single product. This type of reaction is also known as a combination reaction.
Here's a step-by-step analysis of each given choice:
A. [tex]\(2 \text{Na} + \text{MgCl}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{NaCl} + \text{Mg}\)[/tex]
- In this reaction, two reactants (sodium and magnesium chloride) produce two products (sodium chloride and magnesium). Since there are multiple products, this is not a synthesis reaction.
B. [tex]\(\text{HCl} + \text{LiOH} \rightarrow \text{LiCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O}\)[/tex]
- Here, hydrochloric acid and lithium hydroxide react to produce lithium chloride and water. This is a neutralization reaction, not a synthesis reaction, because it forms two products.
C. [tex]\(\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3\)[/tex]
- In this equation, water and carbon dioxide combine to form a single product, carbonic acid. This fits the definition of a synthesis reaction, where two or more reactants form one product.
D. [tex]\(\text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{C} + \text{O}_2\)[/tex]
- This reaction shows the decomposition of carbon dioxide into carbon and oxygen, forming two products from one reactant. This is a decomposition reaction, not a synthesis reaction.
Based on our analysis:
Option C, [tex]\(\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3\)[/tex], correctly models a synthesis reaction, where multiple reactants combine to form a single product.
Therefore, the correct answer is C.
