Chemical Reactions and Equations

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms and definitions from the chapter on Chemical Reactions and Equations.

Chemical Reaction

A process that involves rearrangement of atoms and molecules to form new substances.

Reactants

The substances that undergo chemical change in a reaction.

Product

The new substance formed during a chemical reaction.

Chemical Equation

A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction using chemical formulas.

Balanced Chemical Equation

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

Law of Conservation of Mass

Mass can neither be created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Combination Reaction

A reaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction in which heat is released along with the formation of products.

Decomposition Reaction

A reaction in which a single reactant breaks down to give simpler products.

Thermal Decomposition

A decomposition reaction that is carried out by heating.

Endothermic Reaction

Reactions in which energy is absorbed.

Displacement Reaction

A reaction in which one element displaces another element from its compound.

Double Displacement Reaction

Reactions in which there is an exchange of ions between the reactants.

Precipitate

An insoluble substance formed in a reaction.

Precipitation Reaction

Any reaction that produces a precipitate.

Oxidation

Gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen.

Reduction

Loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen.

Redox Reaction

A reaction in which one reactant gets oxidized while the other gets reduced.

Corrosion

The process by which a metal is attacked by substances around it, such as moisture and acids.

Rancidity

The oxidation of fats and oils in food, resulting in a change in smell and taste.