What does the equation A + B -> AB represent?

The equation A + B -> AB illustrates a basic form of chemical synthesis because it shows the combination of two reactants, A and B, to form a single product, AB. In chemical synthesis, multiple reactants react together to produce a more complex product. This is a fundamental type of reaction in chemistry where simple substances combine to create a compound, which is demonstrated by the resultant AB in the equation.

In contrast, the other options suggest different types of chemical reactions or processes. A complete reaction yielding two products would imply the breakdown or transformation of more complex reactants into simpler products, which is not represented here. A decomposition reaction usually involves a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler substances, which is also not the case in this equation. Additionally, a representation of a catalyst would indicate the mechanism by which a substance accelerates a chemical transformation without being consumed, but that concept is not depicted in this straightforward synthesis of A and B into AB.