Chemical Reactions: Common but Complex

August 11, 2022

By Zeke

Chemical reactions come in many forms. They can be dangerous and create explosions, but they can be helpful, too. Some chemical reactions are common, such as when a piece of firewood is burned in the presence of oxygen, it forms carbon dioxide and heat energy. Another simple reaction is the acid based reaction, one example being when an acid (like salt or vinegar) is mixed into a base (like water or baking soda). All around us in our everyday lives are chemical reactions. 

There are multiple different factors that create a chemical reaction, beginning with reactants (the chemicals that go into the reaction) and products (the chemicals that result from the reaction). For a chemical reaction to be made, the equation needs to be balanced. Balancing chemical equations has to do with making sure each side of the equation is balanced between the two sides. To achieve balance, there has to be an equal amount of moles, which are the number of molecules required for a substance to have a mass equal to the AMU (Atomic Mass Unit). 

Some chemical reactions are fast, and some are slow, and how long it takes is determined by the rate of reaction which is determined by concentration and temperature. For molecules to chemically react with each other, there must be a collision that is energetic enough to break the original chemical bonds.

It takes energy to break a bond and energy is released when a new bond is made. If more energy is released in the formation of the reacants’s bond, then the net effect of reaction is to release energy, often creating a violent discharge. 

An oxidizing agent is a chemical that causes another to be oxidized, or to lose electrons. Rust is an example of oxidation reaction. This also happens when copper turns green or blue over time. A reducing agent is a chemical that causes another to be reduced, or to gain electrons. 

Most chemical reactions are used in our everyday lives. They are fascinating and sometimes even fun to watch, but can cause fatal reactions, such as molotov cocktails, tear gas, and napalm. But without some of these reactions, life would be more difficult. 

One thought on “Chemical Reactions: Common but Complex

  1. Zeke, This is an amazing and interesting blog.
    Some of the reactions when mixing certain chemicals or elements are scary. Really scary in the wrong hands especially terrorists with evil intent.
    It is a difficult subject for me but you did a great job explaining.
    Thank you for sharing this post with me. I will pass it on for Papa to read.
    Love ???? you,
    Gramsey

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