Chemical Reactions

A chemical reaction is an interaction between 2 or more substances. When you combine oxygen and hydrogen, a new substance called water forms. Chemical reactions are all around us, from rusting to digesting food in your stomach, not just in a science lab!

Chemical reactions happen because reagents and reactants are mixed together. A reactant causes a reaction to happen, while a reagent tests if I reaction occurs. A product is the result of the chemical reaction. There are four types of reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement.

A synthesis reaction occurs when 2 substances are mixed to create a new substance. On the other hand, a decomposition reaction occurs when a substance is separated into two different substances. Displacement reactions occur when one or more compounds take away a substance from another compound. In a single displacement, only a single substance will replace another substance that is part of that compound. Let's say a compound AB has substances A and B and reacts with D, a substance. If D takes the place of B in the reaction, the compound AD, will form and release substance B. In a double replacement reaction, two substances will exchange their respective substances.

Not all reactions will happen very fast, though. Some reactions can appear like an explosive volcano, but others can take days to occur. A reaction comes in many forms, such as a change in color or a change in form. Next time, try looking around you, and see if you can find a chemical reaction.

Chemical Reactions

Picture Source: careerswithstem.com.au