What is Chemical Reactions? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts

What is Chemical Reactions?

A chemical reaction is a process in which a set of substances undergo chemical transformation to form another substance.

Where do Chemical Reactions occur?

One might think that chemical reactions only happen in science labs, but they actually happen all the time in the everyday world. Every time you eat, your body uses chemical reactions to break down food into energy. Other examples include the rusting of metals, the burning of wood, batteries that generate electricity, and photosynthesis in plants.

What are Reagents, Reactants, and Products?

Reagents and reagents are substances that are used to cause chemical reactions. A reactant is any substance that is consumed or used during a reaction.

The substance produced by a chemical reaction is called a product. reaction rate

Reaction Rate

Not all chemical reactions happen at the same rate. Some happen very quickly like an explosion, while others can take as long as metal rust. The rate at which reactants are converted to products is called the rate of reaction.

The reaction rate can be changed by adding energy such as heat, sunlight or electricity. Adding energy to a reaction can greatly increase the rate of the reaction. Also, increasing the concentration or pressure of the reactants can speed up the reaction rate.

Types of Reactions

There are many types of chemical reactions. Here are some examples:

Synthesis reaction – A synthesis reaction is a reaction in which two substances combine to form a new substance. It can be represented by an equation like A + B -> AB.

Decomposition reaction – Decomposition reaction occurs when a complex substance is broken down to form two separate substances. It can be represented by an equation like AB -> A+ B.

Combustion – A combustion reaction is also called as a substitution reaction. You can think of it as a reaction where one compound takes one substance from another. Its equation is A + BC -> AC + B.

Single displacement – A single displacement reaction is also called a substitute reaction. You can think of it as a reaction where one compound takes a substance from another compound. Its equation is A + BC –> AC + B.

Double displacement – A double displacement reaction is also known as permutation reaction. You can think of it as two metabolic compounds. Its equation is AB + CD -> AD + CB.

Photochemical reaction – Photochemical reaction is a reaction involving photons of light. Photosynthesis is an example of this type of chemical reaction.

Catalyst and Inhibitors

Sometimes a third substance is used in a chemical reaction to speed up or slow down the reaction. Catalysts speed up the reaction. Unlike other reactants in the reaction, the catalyst is not consumed by the reaction. An inhibitor is used to slow the reaction.

Interesting Facts about Chemical Reactions

As ice melts, it undergoes a physical change from solid to liquid. However, it is not a chemical reaction as it is the same physical substance (H2O).

Mixtures and solutions differ from chemical reactions because the molecules of the substances remain unchanged.

Most cars get their power from the engine using a chemical combustion reaction.

The rocket is propelled by the reaction that occurs when liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are combined.