Chemical Reactions & Equations

Flashcards for reviewing Chemical Reactions & Equations

Physical Changes

Alterations in appearance or state without creating new substances.

Chemical Changes

Result in the formation of entirely new substances.

Chemical Reaction

A process in which one or more substances (reactants) are converted to one or more different substances (products).

Reactants

Substances that undergo change in a chemical reaction.

Chemical Equation

A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas.

Chemical Equation

Representation of a chemical reaction using symbols and chemical formulae.

Law of Conservation of Mass

States that atoms cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Balanced Chemical Equation

A chemical equation where the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Coefficients

Numeric values preceding chemical formulas used to balance equations.

Combination Reaction

Occurs when two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

Exothermic Chemical Reactions

Reactions that release heat when products are formed.

Decomposition Reaction

A single reactant breaks down into two or more products when exposed to heat, light, or electricity.

Thermal Decomposition

Decomposition reaction carried out by heating.

Photolytic Decomposition

Decomposition reaction where light is needed.

Electrolytic Decomposition

Decomposition reaction where electricity is necessary.

Endothermic Reactions

Reactions that need energy to break down substances involved, absorbing energy rather than giving it off.

Displacement Reaction

A reaction where a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound.

Double Displacement Reaction

Ions of two reactants switch places, forming two new compounds or products.

Exothermic Reaction

A chemical reaction releasing energy from the system into the surroundings, usually as heat.

Endothermic Reaction

A chemical reaction absorbing energy from the surroundings in the form of heat, light, or electricity.

Redox Reaction

Reaction characterized by changes in the oxidation states of substances involved.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state.

Reduction

The gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state.

Reducing Agent

Causes the reduction of another substance by donating electrons.

Oxidizing Agent

Causes the oxidation of another substance by accepting electrons.

Corrosion

Metal deterioration due to environmental substances.

Rancidity

Change in taste and odor of food materials containing fat and oil when exposed to air.