Chemical Reactions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to chemical reactions, including types of reactions, energy changes, and the properties of acids and bases.

Chemical Reaction

The process by which one or more substances change to produce one or more different substances.

Reactant

A chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction.

Product

A substance produced in a chemical reaction.

Synthesis Reaction

A type of chemical reaction in which two or more substances combine to form a new compound.

Decomposition Reaction

A type of chemical reaction in which a single compound breaks down to form two or more simpler substances.

Single-Replacement Reaction

A type of chemical reaction in which one element takes the place of another element in a compound.

Double-Replacement Reaction

A type of chemical reaction between two compounds where the positive ion of one compound is exchanged with the positive ion of another compound.

Combustion Reaction

A type of chemical reaction that occurs when a carbon substance reacts with oxygen to make carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.

Acid-Base Reaction

A type of chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and base mix together, neutralizing each other's properties and forming water and salt.

Coefficient

A number in front of a chemical formula in an equation that indicates how many molecules or atoms of each reactant and product are involved in a reaction.

Subscript

A small number in a chemical formula that tells the number of atoms in a molecule.

Law of Conservation of Mass

The law that states that mass cannot be created or destroyed during chemical and physical changes.

Activation Energy

The minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs energy in the form of heat.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy in the form of heat.

Catalyst

A substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction, but remains unchanged.

pH Scale

The measurement system used to indicate the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in solution; ranges from 0 to 14.

Acid

A substance that increases the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration of a solution (pH of 0-6.9).

Neutral

A balance of H+ and OH—, pure water (pH 7.0).

Base (Alkaline)

A substance that increases the hydroxide ions (OH-) concentration of a solution (pH of 7.1-14).