Chemical Reaction Definition

It breaks bonds within the reactant molecules, and new products develop within product molecules to form a new substance.

We observe and feel chemical reactions in our daily life-for Example, metabolic activity in our body and transmission of light directly from the sun.

There are two types of changes that happen in the environment, and they are Physical and Chemical Changes.

For Example, if a candle melts to wax and cuts the supply of Oxygen, the lit candle will be extinguished.

Chemical change - Burning of the candle

Physical Change - Changing of the candle to wax

In physical change activity, only the state of the substance changes. In case of Chemical change, new development or formation takes place in that process either energy is absorbed or given off. So, we can say that chemical changes coincide with some physical changes.

Simple Concepts of Chemical Reactions

It is a process that happens when two or more molecules interact with each other to give a new product.
Compounds that interact to give a new product is referred to as reactant, and newly developed product/compound is referred to as products.
Chemical reactions play a defining role in different industries, customs, and daily life sectors. They occur in our environment, including wine fermentation, rusting of metals, pottery, etc.
The chemical reaction coincides with physical changes, and physical changes that are observed and felt during the chemical reaction are colour change, precipitation, heat production, etc.
A reaction can happen between ions, atoms, or molecules, and they develop new bonds, and no atom is destroyed, but it gives rise to new products developed from the reactants.
The factors like the concentration of reactants, pressure, and temperature heavily influence the reaction rate.

Chemical Equations

Since a vast quantity of chemical reactions takes place in our environment, scientists felt the need for the method to simplify how we show the chemical reaction in the form of a Chemical equation. A chemical equation is a mathematical statement that shows the product formation developed from the reactants and also stated the condition of how the reaction has been performed.

Reactants are written on the left-hand side, and products that have been formed are written on the right-hand side of the reaction. Two-headed or one-headed arrows link reactants and products.

For Example,

X + Y → Z + W

Here, X and Y are reactants that react to give rise to the product. In a real Chemical reaction, reactants are represented by their natural Chemical formula. All chemical reaction has to abide by the law of conservation of mass, for that Chemical equation must be written in the balanced form. For Example, the number of ions and atoms on both sides (reactants and products) has to be equal. This is known to be as balancing of the equation.

Let us understand the Example given of Methane (CH₄) and Oxygen (O₂)

CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂ O

The number of each atom present on the LHS (left-hand side) and RHS (right-hand side) is balanced. This equation follows the law of conservation of mass.

Different Forms of Chemical Reactions

Different forms of a chemical reaction are determined by the changes in the product formation, the reactants' involvement, and so on.

Different forms of chemical reactions are

Combustion Reaction
Neutralisation Reaction
Redox Reaction
Double Displacement Reaction or Precipitation reaction
Synthesis Reaction
Decomposition Reaction

1. Combustion Reaction

It is a simple reaction involving combustible material with an oxidizer to give an oxidized product. An oxidizer is a chemical fuel that is needed to burn like Oxygen. Example of the combustion reaction includes

2Mg₂ + O₂ → 2MgO + Heat

In the above equation, it can be stated as two magnesium atoms react with a molecule of Oxygen, generating two molecules of the compound magnesium oxide and liberating heat in the process.

2. Neutralisation Reaction

A neutralization reaction takes place between acid and base and gives rise to salt and water as their product. The water molecule is developed by the interaction of H⁺ + and OH^- Ions. When a strong acid and base go under neutralization reaction, the overall Ph of the product comes out to be 7. Let us understand this reaction with the help of the neutralization reaction that takes place between Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium hydroxide to produce Sodium chloride and water.

Hcl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

Here is a strong acid, and NaOH is a strong base. Here, they both react with each other and give Sodium Chloride (Common Salt) and water.

3. Decomposition Reaction

It is a reaction in which the component break downs to give multiple products. Some alterations must be made in the environment, like heat, electricity, and light, to overcome the forces of attraction between the bonds. Let us understand with the help of an example:

Decomposition reaction between Calcium Carbonate producing Calcium Oxide. It is also known as Quick Lime and is used in cement production.

CaCO₃ (s) → CaO (S) + CO₂ (g)

When Calcium carbonate is heated, it splits into Calcium oxide and Carbon dioxide.

4. Redox Reaction

It is a reduction-oxidation reaction, and the transfer of electrons between two species takes place. Let us understand with the help of a suitable Example: The reaction between Zinc and Hydrogen.

Zn + 2H⁺ → Zn²⁺ + H₂

Zinc reacts with two positive ions of hydrogen, to which electrons get to move from the Zinc atom, and hydrogen becomes a stable molecule and Zinc ion in the product.

5. Double Displacement Reaction or Precipitation Reaction

It is another form of displacement reaction in which two compounds react, and as a result, the anions and cations shift their position and produce two new products. Let us understand with some examples between Silver Nitrate and Sodium chloride. The product formed is Silver chloride and sodium nitrate after a double displacement reaction.

AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃

Here, Silver Nitrate and Sodium Chloride come under the double displacement reaction in which Silver replaces Sodium in Sodium chloride, and sodium unites with Nitrate forming Sodium Nitrate along with the silver Chloride as the product.

6. Synthesis Reaction

It is one of the simplest reactions in which the compounds integrate under some physical influence producing a complex product. Let us understand the Synthesis reaction with the help of an example that takes place between Sodium (S) and Chloride (g), giving rise to Sodium chloride

2Na (s) + Cl₂ (g) → 2NaCl (s)

In the above reaction, two atoms of Solid sodium react with Chlorine gas, producing Sodium Chloride.

Important Points

Under the Chemical change, the development of a new compound occurs, whereas, in a physical change, the material alters its state of existence.
Ions, molecules, or atoms which react to produce a new product are referred to as reactants, and the development of new molecules and atoms are referred to as products.
A chemical reaction will always abide by the law of conservation of mass. No atom, ions, or molecules is destroyed or generated, but new products are developed from the reactants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What do you mean by Chemical Reaction?

Answer: It is defined as when two or more molecules combine to give rise to a new product is called a Chemical reaction. The process can vice versa; a component can split itself to produce two new products.

Question: Give one Example of