Chemical Change

Any example of chemical change entails one reaction or multiple reactions that result in forming a new type of substance. When a substance undergoes a chemical reaction and divides into numerous other substances, the process is known as chemical decomposition. On the other hand, when two different substances undergo a chemical reaction wherein the two substances combine to form a new substance, the process is called chemical synthesis. A chemical reaction can lead to heat production, and specific chemical reactions require an external heat source for the reaction to occur.

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A few properties of a chemical reaction are as follows:

• Substances that change to form a new compound are called reactants. These reactants change their molecular composition due to the chemical reaction that they are going through. 

• A change in the temperature often accompanies a chemical change because the breakdown or synthesis of various substances either release energy or require an external energy source.

• Chemical changes are usually considered permanent because the reactants’ chemical composition is changed during this process. As a result, the newly formed substance cannot return to its original form.

• Due to the synthesis or decomposition reactions, the substances involved in a chemical change often experience a change in their masses.

Several organic and inorganic substances go through the process of chemical change. The constituency of these substances changes throughout the chemical change. The resultants have a different composition from that of the reactants. Chemical changes can be classified into three categories: organic, inorganic, and biochemical changes. Inorganic chemical changes do not generally involve carbon. On the other hand, organic chemical changes deal with elements that contain carbon and other substances associated with it. Biochemical changes deal with chemical changes in living organisms.

There are various examples of chemical changes that occur in our day to day lives. Some of these examples of chemical change are:

• Rusting of iron- Rusting of iron is considered a chemical change. Rust is a chemical compound formed when iron or any other alloy of iron is exposed to oxygen in the presence of moisture. This is a prolonged process.

• Burning of wood- Burning of wood is one of the examples of a chemical change that can be seen in the day to day lives of the people. As a result of wood burning, various new substances are formed, such as carbon dioxide and water vapour. Heat and light are the results of this reaction.

• Conversion of milk into curd- Curd is a staple food product in various households. The transformation of milk into curd is also a chemical reaction. The curdling of milk is carried out by certain bacteria that help in the coagulation of the milk proteins and converting it into a semi-solid mass known as curd.

• Baking of food products- Baking is an excellent example of chemical changes in our daily lives. Products like baking powder and baking soda are used as raising agents in baking.  

• Digestion of food- The digestion of food is one of the major processes that help in the functioning of the human body. This is also a perfect example of chemical reactions that take place in the day to day life of a human. The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid that is highly acidic and is used to break down humans’ food particles. This digested food material then travels the digestive system and is finally excreted from the body. 

• Ripening of fruits- Ripening of fruit is also a chemical reaction. Plants release a chemical called ethylene. Ethylene is a chemical that exists in its vapour form. It is also considered a phytohormone that helps in growth and senescence. 

• Rotting of food- Rotting of food is a chemical change in daily life. Rancidity is the oxidation process of unsaturated fats that are present in food products. This process is marked by the presence of an unpleasant odour and flavour.

Conclusion

Hence, it can be concluded that chemical changes are changes in the molecular structure or chemical composition when they react with each other in the presence or absence of any external catalytic sources. Chemical changes are a form of irreversible reaction because the molecular structure of the components that take part in the reaction changes during the process. A change in heat and energy often accompanies a chemical change. There are various chemical changes in our daily life.