Chemical Reactions and Biological Processes Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering common types of chemical reactions, everyday reaction examples, and biological/environmental processes like photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and metabolism.

Decomposition Reaction

A chemical reaction that occurs when one compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances, following the general equation $AB \rightarrow A + B$.

Acid on Carbonates

A chemical reaction where acids react with carbonates to produce salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas, following the general equation $\text{Acid} + \text{carbonate} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water} + \text{Carbon Dioxide}$.

Acid on Metals

A chemical reaction where acids react with certain metals to produce salt and hydrogen gas, following the general equation $\text{Acid} + \text{Metal} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Hydrogen}$.

Combustion Reaction

A chemical reaction that occurs when substances react rapidly with oxygen, releasing heat and light, following the general equation $\text{Fuel} + \text{Oxygen} \rightarrow \text{Carbon Dioxide} + \text{Water} + \text{Energy}$.

Photosynthesis

A biological process in which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, producing oxygen and providing food for living organisms.

Cellular Respiration

A biological process in which cells break down glucose to release energy for body functions, expressed by the equation $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{Energy}$.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions occurring inside living cells, which produce energy, support growth and repair, maintain body temperature, remove wastes, and keep the body functioning properly.

Catabolism

A type of metabolism that breaks down large molecules into smaller ones and releases energy, such as the digestion of food.

Anabolism

A type of metabolism that builds larger molecules from smaller ones using energy, such as the formation of proteins and muscles.