Chemistry Topic
Branches, Reactions, and Equations
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Study focus - 3 things
- Branches of chemistry show different areas chemists study
- Chemical reactions make new substances
- Chemical equations use symbols and formulae to show reactants changing into products
Section 1Branches of chemistry
Chemistry has branches such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry. You do not need to be a specialist yet; just know that each branch studies matter from a different angle.
Section 2Chemical reactions
A chemical reaction happens when substances change into new substances. Signs can include colour change, gas formation, temperature change, light, or a precipitate. Watch out: melting ice is physical, but burning paper is chemical.
Section 3Reactants and products
Reactants are the starting substances. Products are the new substances made. In an equation, reactants go on the left and products go on the right.
Section 4Writing equations
A word equation uses names, such as magnesium + oxygen -> magnesium oxide. A chemical equation uses symbols and formulae. The thing to remember is that equations must not change the substances just to look neat.
Examples
In the reaction carbon + oxygen -> carbon dioxide, name the reactants.
The reactants are carbon and oxygen because they are on the left side before the arrow.
A gas stove burns fuel and releases heat and new gases. Is this a chemical reaction?
Yes. Burning fuel forms new substances and releases energy, so it is a chemical reaction.
Now let's water it
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