Chemical Reactions in Everyday Life

Digestion

Thousands of chemical reactions take place during ________. Enzyme amylase present in saliva breaks down sugars and carbohydrates present in food to form simpler forms which the body can absorb. Acid in the stomach reacts with food to further break it down. So during digestion, proteins break into amino acids, fats break into fatty acids and glycerol and carbohydrates break into simple sugars

Washing

Chemical reactions that emulsify grease and reduce surface tension when soap or detergent is added allow you to remove oily grime. Laundry detergent, which may contain whiteners to keep clothes from looking dingy and enzymes to break down proteins, undergoes even more reactions.

Cooking

________ is a chemical reaction. When an egg is exposed to heat, the proteins start to bounce around and uncurl from their original position. A process known as caramelization takes place when sugar is heated. The Maillard reaction causes meat to brown when heated. When baking powder or soda reacts with liquid ingredients, carbon dioxide bubbles are created, which gives baked goods their rise.

Hair Dyeing

Hydrogen peroxide is used by the majority of permanent dyes to remove your natural color and aid in the establishment of the new hue. Another common ingredient, ammonia, aids in opening the hair cuticle to allow the color to penetrate deeply into the strands.

Fireworks

It is a mixture of substances like sulfur or charcoal, which fuel the reaction, and potassium nitrate, which aids in burning. The gunpowder quickly burns and explodes when ________ are set off.

Tear Gas

Police use a chemical weapon called ______ to subdue crowds.