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Chemical Reactions and Equations

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What is a Chemical Reaction?

A chemical reaction is a process of rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structure of elements to form a new substance. The new combination of elements formed shows different physical and chemical properties.


Another definition of chemistry reaction is: It is a process in which two or more chemical compounds undergo an atomic level reaction to form new compounds with different physical and chemical properties. The compounds which undergo the reaction are called the reactants, and the new chemical compounds formed after the reaction has taken place are called the products.


A chemical equation, on the other hand, is just a written representation of the process that occurs during a chemical reaction. A chemical equation involves the use of numbers and specific chemical symbols.


Important Concepts You Will Learn in Chemistry Reactions

  • What are chemical reactions?

  • What are chemical equations?

  • Characteristics of a chemical reaction 

  • Types of chemical reactions and their properties

  • Examples of chemical reactions

  • Common chemical reactions observed in daily life and their equations

  • Importance of Chemistry reactions


What is the Importance of Chemical Reactions?

Chemical reactions are the basis of life on Earth. Without chemical reactions, the bodies of all living beings would not be able to perform basic life functions and no life would exist on Earth. So, what makes chemistry reactions important?

  • Chemical reactions enable the formation of new forms of matter and identifying unknown specimens.

  • For synthesising new compounds like medicines, skin care products, soap or detergents, etc. 

  • Using chemical reactions and equations, only we can understand the different physical and chemical properties of matter. 

  • Biological processes like turning food into energy, sunlight into food, etc. are possible only because of chemical reactions between them.

  • Daily activities like washing clothes with soap, baking bread using fermentation, cooking food, etc. all involve chemical reactions.

  • The study of outer space and other planets is also possible only because of chemical reactions that are inferred by scientists.


Conclusion

Thus, this article taught us about chemistry reactions, how to define chemical reactions and equations, the types of chemical reactions, their examples, and importance of chemistry equations. We hope that now you will be able to differentiate between different types of chemical reactions easily. 


Also, going through this article thoroughly will provide you with an in-depth explanation of one of the most basic and important topics of Chemistry. So, get your hands on this free study resource today.

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FAQs on Chemical Reactions and Equations

1. What is the difference between chemical reaction and equation?

A chemical reaction is a process in which the bonds are broken within the molecules of a chemical compound to form a new substance with different properties. While a chemical equation is just a mathematical representation of the process of a chemical reaction, with properly labelled reactants and products and conditions required for the reaction.

2. What chemical and physical changes can be observed in a chemical reaction?

Chemical changes may include changes in the colour, texture, temperature, or state of the product. Physical changes, on the other hand, include changes in the product’s appearance such as lustre, ductility, malleability, density, and viscosity.

3. Give some examples of chemical reactions that take place in our everyday lives.

Some examples include the following:

  • Rusting

  • Photosynthesis

  • Spoiling of pickles

  • Digestion

  • Detergent and soap reactions

  • Fermentation

4. What are the different types of chemical reactions?

On the basis of the product formed, the different types of chemical reactions include Combustion reaction, Decomposition reaction, Double-Displacement Reaction, Neutralisation reaction, Redox Reaction, and Synthesis reaction.

5. Is Chemical Reaction and Equation an important topic?

Chemical Reaction and Equation is the basis of whole Chemistry, whether organic, inorganic, or physical. If a student doesn't understand or skips this topic, they will not be able to understand Chemistry in the higher classes. Thus, it is an important topic not only to score marks in exams but also to gain general knowledge about the working of our universe.