Key Concept: Life depends on chemical reactions. Chemical Reaction – the process of breaking the...

2.4 Chemical ReactionsKey Concept:

Life depends on chemical reactions

Chemical Reaction – the process of breaking the intramolecular bonds between atoms in a molecule and then reforming them so the atoms are arranged into new types of molecules.

http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/sciences/chemistry/inorganicchemistry/chemicslformula/Equation/chemicalequation/FG03_003.GIF

Parts of a Chemical Reaction

Chemical Equation – Shorthand way to describe what happens in the overall chemical reaction. Reactants – Elements or compounds that are the “starter materials” for a reaction.

Products – Elements or compounds produced by a chemical reaction

Ex. Chemical equation for photosynthesis

6CO2 + 12H2O + sunlight 6O 2 + C6 H12O 6 + 6H2O

Reactants Products

Types of Chemical ReactionsSynthesis

Decomposition

Combustion

Single Displacement

Double Displacement

Indicators a Reaction has Occurred

Indicators that a Rxn. occurred1. Gives off heat , light or sound

(all forms of Energy)2. Gives off a gas / bubbles3. Forms a solid precipitate4. Color change is observed

Chemical reactions always involve the breaking of bonds in reactant molecules and the formation of new bonds in the product molecules.

Bond Energy in Chemical Reactions

What happens when bonds break and bonds form? Energy must be added to break bonds that hold the reactant molecules together. This is called activation energy (Ae). This amount of energy is what “activates” or gets the reaction started. 

Once the bonds are broken, the atoms are freed up and can make new molecules. When bonds form between the atoms to make new molecules, energy is released.

The specific amount of energy that is needed to break a bond, or is releases when that same bond forms, is called bond energy.

Two Categories of Chemical Reactions based on Energy Changes

Exothermic Reactions

Endothermic Reactions

Exothermic reactions release more energy than they absorb Exo – out thermic - heat

Endothermic reactions absorb more energy than they release

Endo – into thermic - heat

Ex. Photosynthesis

Activation energy is the amount of energy that needs to be absorbed to start a chemical reaction.

Connection to life:

In order to stay alive, organisms need to carry out chemical reactions that require energy; therefore every organism must have a source of energy to carry out reactions.

Plants trap and store energy from sunlightAnimals consume plants and other

animals to produce energy