The Chemical Transformation and Reaction

Matter can undergo two types of transformations – chemical and physical. In this article, we will focus on chemical transformation, also known as a chemical reaction. In these reactions, the nature of the substances involved changes.

What is The Chemical Transformation or Chemical Reaction?

Chemical transformations refer to the process where a substance transforms into another substance with different characteristics. Chemists represent these reactions using chemical equations and element symbols such as Fe (iron), and O (oxygen). They write substance formulas as H2O. The starting substances in a reaction are called reagents, and the substances produced are called products.

Examples of Chemical Reactions

A common example of a chemical transformation or reaction is the chemical combustion of methane. It occurs when we light a stove in a gas cooker. Methane gas (CH4) and oxygen (O2) in the air react to form carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The equation for this reaction is:

1 CH4 (g) + 2 O2 (g) ➡️ 1 CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g)

State of Aggregation Indication in Chemical Equations

In chemical transformations equations, we indicate the state of aggregation of substances as (g) for gaseous, (l) for liquid, and (s) for solid.

Signs of The Chemical Transformation or Reaction

Several clues indicate that the transformation we observe is a chemical reaction, such as:

Color Change during Chemical Transformation:

A color change is a common indicator of chemical reaction, such as when lemon juice changes the color of tea or iron combines with O2 and water in the atmosphere to form reddish rust.

The appearance of Bubbles:

Bubbles forming in a liquid can indicate the transformations of a gas, such as when a tablet immersed in water releases gases.

Formation of a Solid:

The formations of a solid without a change in temperature often indicate a chemical reaction.

Temperature Change During Chemical Transformation:

The chemical reaction can cause a change in temperature, such as when combustion reactions increase temperature or other reactions decrease temperature.

Conclusion

Chemical transformations, or chemical reactions, are a crucial aspect of chemistry and the study of matter. Understanding the signs of chemical reactions and how to represent them using chemical equations is vital for chemists and scientists alike.