Types of Chemical Reactions: Class 10 Science, With Examples
By Mohit · Founder & Editor, qpaper · 5 October 2026 · 5 min read
In short
Class 10 Science covers five types of chemical reactions: combination (two or more substances form one), decomposition (one substance breaks into two or more), displacement (a more reactive element replaces a less reactive one), double displacement (two compounds swap ions) and redox (oxidation and reduction happen together). Identify the type by looking at how the reactants and products are arranged.
The five types, with examples
- Combination: 2Mg + O2 gives 2MgO. Two substances combine into one product.
- Decomposition: CaCO3 gives CaO + CO2 on heating. One compound breaks down.
- Displacement: Fe + CuSO4 gives FeSO4 + Cu. Iron displaces copper from its salt.
- Double displacement: NaCl + AgNO3 gives AgCl + NaNO3. The ions of two compounds swap partners.
- Redox: a reaction where one substance is oxidised and another is reduced at the same time.
How to identify the type in an exam
Count the reactants and products. Two reactants becoming one product means combination, and one reactant becoming two or more products means decomposition.
If one element replaces another in a compound, it is displacement. If two compounds exchange their ions, it is double displacement.
For redox, look for oxygen gained or hydrogen lost (oxidation), and the reverse for reduction.
Practise with questions
Use the Class 10 Science sample paper on qpaper to practise identifying reaction types. The practice mode shows the correct answer and a solution after each question.
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Original questions, answer key, PDF or Word — Class 9 & 10 Maths & Science, in Hindi or English.
Generate a paperFrequently asked questions
Is every redox reaction a displacement reaction?
No. Some redox reactions are combination or decomposition reactions. Displacement reactions are often redox, but the two categories are not the same.
What is the difference between displacement and double displacement?
In displacement, one element replaces another element in a compound. In double displacement, the ions of two compounds swap places.