Chemical Reactions
Reactants, products, types of reactions
Chemical Reactions
A chemical reaction occurs when substances (reactants) interact to form new substances (products). Signs include colour change, gas production, temperature change, and precipitate formation.
Example
Types of Reactions
Combustion: burning paper in air. Acid-base: vinegar + baking soda produces CO2 bubbles. Decomposition: hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water + oxygen. Synthesis: iron + sulphur heated together form iron sulphide.
Note
Key Point
In a chemical reaction, atoms are rearranged but never created or destroyed (law of conservation of mass). The total mass of reactants always equals the total mass of products.
Key Vocabulary
ReactantA substance that takes part in a chemical reaction
ProductA new substance formed during a chemical reaction
Chemical reactionA process where reactants are changed into new products
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