Chemical Reactions and Atoms

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What is a chemical reaction?

A chemical reaction is a process where one or more substances are converted into new substances with different properties.

What role do atoms play in chemical reactions?

Atoms are rearranged during chemical reactions, breaking old bonds and forming new ones.

What is the law of conservation of mass?

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

What is meant by reactants?

Reactants are the substances present at the start of a chemical reaction, which are transformed into products.

What are products in a chemical reaction?

Products are the new substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

What is a chemical bond?

A chemical bond is a force that holds atoms together in a substance, often involving the sharing or transfer of electrons.

What is an example of a chemical reaction?

Combustion of methane: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O.

Why do elements react in specific ratios?

Elements react in specific ratios to fulfill the octet rule, achieving a stable electron configuration.

What is an exothermic reaction?

An exothermic reaction is one that releases energy, usually in the form of heat, to the surroundings.

What is an endothermic reaction?

An endothermic reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings, often in the form of heat.

What is an example of a real-life chemical reaction?

The rusting of iron is an example: 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃.

Why is the knowledge of chemical reactions important?

Understanding chemical reactions is essential for developing new materials, medicines, fuels, and understanding natural processes.

What is a catalyst?

A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed by the reaction.

How does a balanced chemical equation relate to the conservation of mass?

A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms of each element on both sides, demonstrating the conservation of mass.

What effect does temperature have on chemical reactions?

Increasing temperature generally increases the reaction rate, as it provides more energy for collisions between reacting particles.