If you’ve ever wondered what changes occur in nature, it’s probably because you’ve heard of Reversible and Irreversible Chemical Changes (I/C). But what do these reactions actually involve? The answer is Photosynthesis, Cooking, Combustion, and Redox Reactions, and you’ll want to know all about them! Read on to learn more!…And don’t forget to share your ideas!
Reversible chemical changes
Reversible chemical changes are those in which a reaction proceeds in both directions – forward and backwards. In other words, a chemical reaction can be both reversible and irreversible. The only difference between a reversible and irreversible reaction is that reversible reactions occur until the rate and time for two reactions are equal, which is called the dynamic equilibrium. Reversible chemical changes occur when atoms or molecules undergo collisions in both directions.
Students often think that reversible chemical reactions do not occur and that the original substance is destroyed in a chemical reaction. This misconception is incorrect, however. Rechargeable batteries are examples of reversible chemical changes. The chemistry behind rechargeable batteries is that the chemical energy stored in a battery is converted into electrical energy. In the process, students may assume that chemical energy is stored in a battery and is only released when it is needed.
Photosynthesis
The chemical change in photosynthesis occurs in plants as light interacts with carbon dioxide, water and other components. Light energy and the carbon dioxide and water in the plants’ cells combine to create sugars and a number of other substances. These elements are combined by the plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria to produce food. Plants use these ingredients and measure their chemical changes to determine how much energy they need to grow. Several factors influence the process, including the amount of light available, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and nutrient availability.
One factor that affects the energy balance of photosynthesis is the presence of chlorophyll a. This pigment has a very low excitation level, which reduces its energy transfer. In addition to this, chlorophyll a also has a high photosynthetic efficiency. We will discuss how chlorophyll a transfers energy in Sect. 5. Several studies indicate that chlorophyll a is necessary for photosynthesis.
Cooking
In cooking, the process of cooking food changes the physical properties of food. Students frequently use the term chemical change to refer to the process of boiling or freezing. The browned taste and color of food is the result of a chemical reaction, the Maillard reaction. As a result of the changes, sensory quality is affected, as is the color. The following are examples of chemical changes in cooking. Listed below are some common examples of chemical changes in cooking.
The process of cooking changes the chemical composition and flavor of food. Once cooked, food cannot be returned to its raw state. The cooked food has developed a new substance, and there is no way to reverse the process. A chemical change in cooking occurs when the liquid component of an egg changes into a solid. This change in chemical composition makes the egg very unpleasant to eat. The temperature of the cooking process denatures the proteins and coagulates them.
Combustion
Burning things releases energy. But what actually happens when something burns? What happens is a chemical change takes place. The molecules in a substance undergo a change, and they begin as carbon, and end as carbon dioxide. This process is called combustion. During combustion, molecular bonds break, releasing energy in the process. The resulting product molecules contain entirely different properties. For example, when oxygen and methane combine, they break molecular bonds and form carbon dioxide (CO2). Water molecules are created when the CO2 molecules mix with a droplet of water.
Combustion produces energy. It is a chemical reaction that generates heat and light. This reaction is exothermic, which means that the products have chemical bonds with lower energy levels than the reactants. As a result, the energy released during combustion is converted to heat or light. These are the main products of combustion. Combustion is the most common chemical reaction, and it affects almost all of our everyday lives.