There are several types of chemical reactions: __ In this reaction, a new compound is formed by the combination of simpler reactions. __ In this reaction, a reactant breaks down into simpler products, which could be elements or other compounds. __ In this reaction, one reactant is always oxygen and another reactant often contains carbon and hydrogen. The carbon and hydrogen atoms combine with the oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water. Balance the equations below and label the type of reaction it is:

## Step 1<br />The first reaction is a synthesis reaction. In this type of reaction, two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex compound. The general form of a synthesis reaction is \(A + B \rightarrow AB\). In this case, the reaction is \(2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O\), where hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The second reaction is a decomposition reaction. In this type of reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. The general form of a decomposition reaction is \(AB \rightarrow A + B\). In this case, the reaction is \(2H_2O \rightarrow 2H_2 + O_2\), where water breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The third reaction is a combustion reaction. In this type of reaction, a hydrocarbon (in this case, methane, \(CH_4\)) reacts with oxygen (\(O_2\)) to produce carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) and water (\(H_2O\)). The general form of a combustion reaction is \(Hydrocarbon + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O\). In this case, the reaction is \(CH_4 + 2O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O\).