Chemical Reaction – is a process in which one set of new substances called reactants to a new set of substance called

products.

Reactants – the starting materials in a chemical reaction

Product – the new substance formed.
 A given chemical reaction system is defined by a balanced net chemical equation which is usually written as:
Reactants Products
To tell whether the reactants change into new products we rely on their physical appearances or properties. Thes
change maybe observed in their color, odor and other physical states.

Evidences of Chemical Reactions

1. Production of Light
2. Evolution of gas
3. Temperature change
4. Change in intrinsic properties (color,odor)
5. Formation of Precipitate
Example:
2Na(s) + Cl2(g) 2NaCl(s)
Symbols and their Meanings
Symbol Meaning
+ To show combination of reactants or products
to produce; to form; to yield
(s), (l), (g), (aq) (s)-solid, (l)- liquid, (g)-gas, (aq)-aqueous (substance is
dissolved in water)
Reversible reaction

Heat Indicates that heat is supplied to the reaction

A formula written above or below the yield sign indicates

Pt its use as a catalyst or solvent

Types of Chemical Reaction

A. Combination (Synthesis) Reaction - A reaction when 2 or more reactants combine to form a single product
The general formula for this reaction is:
A+B AB
B. Decomposition Reaction – in this reaction, a single reactant breaks down into simpler ones. (2 or mmore
products). This is the reverse of combination reaction.
The general formula for this reaction is:
AB A+ B
C. Single Displacement (Replacement) Reaction – This is when one element replaces another element from a
compound. The more active element takes the place of the less active element in a compound.
The general formula for this reaction is:
A + BC AC + B
D. Double Displacement Reaction (Metathesis) – this is when the positive ions (cations) and negative ions (anions)
of different compounds switch places, forming two entirely different compounds.
The general formula for this reaction is:
AB + CD AD + CB
E. Combustion (Burning) Reaction – this is when oxygen combines with a hydrocarbon (compound containing
hydrogen and carbon) to form water and carbon dioxide. Example of which is the burning of butane gas.
C4 H10 + O2 CO2 + H2 O
F. Acid – Base Reaction – this is a special kind of double displacement reaction that takes place when an acid and
base react with each other. The H+ of the acid reacts with the OH- of the base forming water. The other product
is salt. Example of which is:
HCl + NaOH NaCl = H2O