Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which reaction can involve ionic compounds in aqueous solutions?

1. Combination Reaction

2. Combustion Reaction

3. Double-Displacement Reaction

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Double-Displacement Reaction

Ionic compounds in aqueous solutions primarily participate in double-displacement reactions due to their ability to dissociate into their constituent ions when dissolved in water. In a double-displacement reaction, two ionic compounds exchange their ions, forming new compounds, typically resulting in a precipitate, gas, or a weak electrolyte. In contrast, combination reactions involve the formation of a single product from two or more reactants. While ionic compounds can theoretically be involved, they do not specifically utilize the exchange of ions characteristic of double-displacement reactions. Similarly, combustion reactions typically involve the reaction of a substance with oxygen, producing heat and light, and are usually not characterized by the interactions between ionic compounds in solution. Thus, the focus on double-displacement reactions best captures the dynamic nature of ionic compounds in aqueous environments, making it the most relevant choice for the context of ionic interactions involved in aqueous solutions.