Chemical Reactions

Summary: Processes where atoms rearrange to form new substances with different properties. Tags: concepts chemistry Created: 2026-04-23T00:00:00Z Last Updated: 2026-04-23T00:00:00Z


Content

A chemical reaction is a change where atoms are rearranged to create new substances. Elements and compounds participate, producing new materials with transferred energy. Most are irreversible.

Evidence: gas release, temperature change, color change, flames, smells, sounds.

Types:

  • Exothermic: releases energy (feels hot)
  • Endothermic: absorbs energy (feels cold)
  • Displacement: more reactive metal replaces less reactive
  • Neutralization: acid + alkali → salt + water

Catalysts speed up reactions without being used up.

Contrast with Physical Changes which are reversible and don’t form new substances.