Chapter: Chemical Reactions and Equations
1. Chemical Reaction
A chemical reaction is a process in which one or more substances change into new substances.
Reactants = starting substances
Products = new substances formed
Example:
Magnesium + Oxygen Magnesium Oxide
What happens (diagram explanation in words):
A magnesium ribbon is burned in air. It burns with a bright white flame and forms a white powder called magnesium oxide.
2. Chemical Equations
A chemical equation shows a reaction using chemical formulas.
Example:
Mg + O MgO
Balanced Equation
The number of atoms on both sides must be equal.
Balanced form:
2Mg + O 2MgO
What happens (in diagram):
It shows equal numbers of magnesium and oxygen atoms on both sides.
3. Types of Chemical Reactions
1. Combination Reaction
Two or more substances combine to form one product.
Example:
CaO + HO Ca(OH)
What happens (in diagram):
Quicklime (CaO) reacts with water, producing slaked lime and releasing heat.
2. Decomposition Reaction
A single substance breaks down into simpler substances.
Example:
CaCO CaO + CO
What happens (in diagram):
Calcium carbonate is heated and breaks into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas.
3. Displacement Reaction
A more reactive element replaces a less reactive element.
Example:
Zn + CuSO ZnSO + Cu
What happens (in diagram):
A zinc strip is placed in blue copper sulphate solution. The solution becomes colorless and copper metal is deposited.
4. Double Displacement Reaction
Two compounds exchange ions.
Example:
NaSO + BaCl BaSO + 2NaCl
What happens (in diagram):
Two solutions are mixed, and a white solid (precipitate) is formed.
4. Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation = Addition of oxygen / Loss of hydrogen
Reduction = Removal of oxygen / Gain of hydrogen
Example:
CuO + H Cu + HO
What happens (in diagram):
Black copper oxide reacts with hydrogen gas and turns into brown copper metal and water.
5. Effects of Oxidation
Corrosion
Slow damage of metals due to air and moisture
Example: Rusting of iron
What happens (in diagram):
Iron reacts with oxygen and water to form reddish-brown rust.
Rancidity
Spoilage of food due to oxidation
Example: Oil and fats become bad in smell and taste
What happens (in diagram):
Food is shown getting spoiled when exposed to air; sealed packets prevent this.
6. Important Points
Always balance chemical equations
Different reactions have different types
Oxidation and reduction occur together (redox reaction)
Corrosion and rancidity are common in daily life
7. Important Definitions
Chemical Reaction Formation of new substances
Reactants Substances that react
Products Substances formed
Balanced Equation Equal atoms on both sides