Introduction Chemistry can be defined as the study of matter in terms of its composition, structure and physical properties. Some of the concepts that can be studied in chemistry include chemical bonding, chemical reactions, atomic structure, among many others. Chemical reactions play an important role in changing substances through formation of bonds. Chemical reactions occur in several places including medicine and even in our daily activities, such as burning of fuel. It is therefore necessary to learn about the basic principles of chemical reactions.
The Principles Governing Chemical Reactions
Chemical reaction occurs when substances change to form new products. This happens as a result of bond formation. A chemical reaction is represented using an arrow where the reactants appear before the products. Combustion of methane in oxygen produces water and carbon dioxide as shown below.
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
In this reaction, heat and light are involved, hence making the process to be exothermic. The above process occurs due to the conversion of methane to carbon dioxide and water in the presence of oxygen.
Reactants in Chemical Reactions
Reactants are substances that participate in chemical reactions. Reactants are always elements, compounds or ions. Properties of the reactants determine the type of reactions occurring. Example of a reaction involving reactants is the reaction between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl2) to produce sodium chloride (NaCl).
2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl
In this reaction, two very reactive elements are used to produce a solid substance known as sodium chloride.
Catalysts in Chemical Reactions
Catalyst is a substance that speeds up reactions but does not take part in reactions. Catalysts include enzymes, acids and bases. Catalysts play an important role in controlling reactions. Some examples of reactions with catalysts include the reaction of lactose with lactase to produce glucose and galactose.
Lactose → glucose + galactose
In the reaction above, lactose (a substance found in milk) breaks down to produce glucose and galactose with the presence of a catalyst named lactase.
Products of Chemical Reactions
Products are substances formed as a result of chemical reactions. They could be elements, compounds or ions whose properties affect reaction outcomes. An example of chemical reactions involving products include combustion of hydrogen and oxygen gases to produce water.
2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
In the reaction above, two gases combine to produce water that plays an important role in living things.
Balancing Chemical Equations
It is important for the equations to be balanced. In a balanced equation, number of atoms of each substance should be equal on both sides. An unbalanced equation for combustion of methane is;
CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
This reaction can be balanced by addition of coefficients as shown below;
CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
Balancing chemical reactions is important since it makes it possible to show equal number of atoms of substances on both sides.
Applications of Chemical Reactions in Real Life Situations
Chemical reactions play an important role in our lives. Various materials used for our day to day activities are obtained through reactions. For example, fertilizers are obtained by combining nitrogen and oxygen to form nitric acid (HNO3).
N2 + O2 → 2HNO3
Conclusion Chemical reactions are very important concepts in chemistry. They involve processes such as reaction, product formation and many others. Understanding chemical reactions helps to predict reaction outcomes.
