What are 10 examples of chemical changes?

News 2025-04-07

Here are 10 examples of chemical changes, showcasing transformations where new substances are formed with different properties:

Chemical Change Examples in Chemistry

Combustion

Example: Burning wood or natural gas.

Change: Hydrocarbons react with oxygen, producing carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

Photosynthesis

Example: Plants converting CO₂ and water into glucose and oxygen.

Change: Light energy drives chemical reactions to form sugars and release oxygen.

Digestion

Example: Breaking down food in the body.

Change: Enzymes hydrolyze starch to glucose and proteins to amino acids.

Fermentation

Example: Yeast converting sugar to alcohol in brewing.

Change: Glucose is metabolized into ethanol and CO₂.

Metal Corrosion

Example: Iron rusting.

Change: Iron reacts with oxygen and water to form hydrated iron oxides (rust).

Acid-Base Neutralization

Example: Mixing hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide.

Change: H⁺ and OH⁻ ions combine to form water and sodium chloride.

Battery Discharge

Example: A dry cell producing electricity.

Change: Zinc oxidizes, and manganese dioxide reduces, releasing electrons.

Bleaching

Example: Using chlorine bleach on fabric.

Change: Oxidation breaks down colored molecules (e.g., pigments in stains).

Hardening of Cement

Example: Concrete setting.

Change: Calcium silicate hydrates form a rigid structure when mixed with water.

Food Spoilage

Example: Milk souring.

Change: Lactose ferments into lactic acid, altering taste and texture.

Key Feature of Chemical Changes:

In all these examples, the original substances are transformed into entirely new substances with different chemical properties, and these changes are usually irreversible.