CHEMICAL REACTIONS

10th Standard Written and designed by Manish Das (MND)

REACTION
Reaction is a term used for depicting a change or transformation in which
a substance combines, decomposes, or interchanges its constituents with
other substances.

REACTANTS AND PRODUCTS

Any chemical reaction is constituted by reactants and products which are
separated by an arrow pointing towards products.
Reactants are the chemical substances which take part in chemical
reactions.

Products are the chemical substances which are formed as a result of

chemical reactions.

ATTEMPTS TO SHOW VARIOUS CHEMICAL REACTIONS

A + B → AB
A +B +C → ABC

AB → A + B
ABC → A + B + C
A + BC → AC + B
Ab + CD → AD + BC

in above attempts to show chemical reaction, the resulting substances

which are on the left side are reactants ,the substances on the right side
are products.
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN REACTANTS AND PRODUCTS
1. Reactants are the chemical substances which 1. Products are the chemical substances which
take part in chemical reactions. form as a result of chemical reaction.
2. Reactants are mentioned at the left side of 2. Products are mentioned at the right side of
chemical reaction. chemical reaction.
3. In reactants, bond breaking process takes 3. The separated atoms get rearranged and
place, and then atoms get separated. then formation of new bonds take place.

DDEFINITION OF CHEMICAL REACTION

The chemical reaction is a chemical change in which combination,
decomposition or displacement of the atoms or molecules of matter takes
place to produce new substance(s).
Alternatively,
The process in which is a substance or substances undergo chemical
change to produce new substances with new properties is known as
chemical reaction.

Let’s know about equation in mathematics!

REPRESENTATION OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS

The Chemical reaction is represented by an equation. The equation to

represent chemical reaction is of two types, namely :
1. Word equation
2. Chemical equation
1) WORD EQUATION
The chemical reaction in which reactants and products are expressed by
writing their full names is known as word equation. Examples are :
Sodium + Chlorine → Sodium chloride
Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium oxide
Hydrogen + Oxygen → Water
DEFECTS/DRAWBACKS/LIMITATIONS/DEMERITS/DISADV
ANTAGES/ANOMALIES OF WORD EQUATION.
1) The word equation cannot be balanced.
2) The word equation consumes more time and space.
Hence the method of representing chemical reactions by word
equation has been discarded.

CHEMICAL EQUATION ( FORMULA EQUATION)

The method of representing a chemical reaction with the help of symbols
and formula of reactants and products is known as chemical equation.
Examples are:
Na + Cl2 → NaCl
Mg + O2 → MgO
H2 + O2 → H2O
Some Points regarding chemical equation/Advantages of Chemical
equation:
● Chemical equation is an easier and more concise method for
representing chemical reaction.
● A chemical equation also indicates the number of atoms of each
element involved in the reaction.
Accordingly, chemical equation is meant a scientific method
for representing chemical reaction.
WORKING ACTIVITY
Try to represent the statements given below as word equations and
chemical equations.
1) Potassium metal reacts with water to give potassium hydroxide and
hydrogen gas.
2) Hydrogen gas combines with nitrogen to form ammonia.

SKELETAL OR UNBALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

The chemical equation in which total number of atoms of each element in
reactants and products are not equal is known as skeletal or unbalanced
chemical equation.
Let’s take an example of chemical equation below.
H2 + O2 → H2O
In reactants In products

No. Of H atoms 2 2
No. Of O atoms 2 1

Total atoms 4 3

In the above chemical equation, though, the number of hydrogen atoms is

equal on both sides but the number of oxygen atoms is unequal. In this
way, the chemical equation given above has an unequal number of
oxygen atoms, so it is an unbalanced chemical equation.

IN TERMS OF MASS
Since the number of atoms of various elements in reactants and products
is not equal, we can say that an unbalanced chemical equation has an
unequal masses of various elements in reactants and products.
Let’s understand this also. It’s very important to know.
H2 + O2 → H2O
This particular equation contains two oxygen atoms in reactants side, but
only one oxygen atom in product side. It appears as if one oxygen atom
has been destroyed. This ,however can not happen because according to
the law of conservation of mass, “matter can neither be created nor be
destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of the
reactants must be equal to the total mass of the products.
In other words, the number of various types of atoms in reactants must be
equal to the number of same types of atoms in products. To make the
number of different types of atoms equal on both sides of reaction, we
need to balance the reaction.

BALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATION

The chemical equation in which total number of atoms of each element in
reactants and products are equal is known as balanced chemical equation.

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

In above chemical equation , the number of atoms of hydrogen and

oxygen is equal on both the sides of chemical equation. So it is a balanced
chemical equation.

IN TERMS OF MASS
Since the number of atoms of various elements in reactants and products
is equal, we can say that a balanced chemical equation has equal masses
of various elements in reactants and products.

In reactants In products

Number of H atoms 4 4

Number of O atoms 2 2

Let’s take other example, Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2

In reactants In products

Number of Zn atoms 1 1
Number of H atoms 2 2
Number of S atoms 1 1
Number of O atoms 4 4
Since the number of atoms of Zinc, hydrogen, sulphur and oxygen is equal
on both the sides of equation, the given chemical equation is a balanced
chemical equation.

BALANCING OF CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

According to law of conservation of mass, “matter can neither be created
nor be destroyed , but can only be changed from one form to other”. In
chemical reaction, this means that the total mass of reactants must be
equal to the total mass of the products. This is possible only when the
number of atoms of each element on both sides of the chemical equation
is made equal. So the chemical equation must be balanced so as to satisfy
the law conservation of mass.

Q. The Chemical equation must be balanced, why?

Ans :- The chemical equation must be balanced in order to satisfy the law
of conservation of mass.
Note : The number of atoms of each element remains the same, before
and after a chemical reaction.

BALANCING OF CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

The process of making the number of atoms of each element equal on
both the sides of a chemical equation is known as balancing of chemical
equation. The chemical equations are balanced by four different methods.
These methods are listed as :
1) Hit and trial method
2) Partial equation method
3) Oxidation number method
4) Ion electron method

Note : Hit and trial method is taught in school levels while other
three methods are taught in higher levels. Heat and trial method is
used to balance simple chemical equations.
Steps to balance simple chemical reactions:
• If elementary gases( H2, N2, O2 etc) are present, they should be
changed into atomic forms.
 • Start balancing from the formula containing maximum number of
atoms.
• If the equation is not balanced , start balancing from the formula
containing minimum number of atoms.
• Then balance the elementary gases.

While balancing chemical equations,

• Do not alter the molecular formula of molecules.
• Multiply the symbols or molecular formula by the figures or
coefficients like 2,3,4,5,6...
WORKING ACTIVITY :-
Balance the following questions by writing both word equation and
chemical equation.
1) Potassium chlorate gets decomposed.
2) Hydrogen peroxide gets decomposed.
3) Iron and oxygen reacts to give a ferric oxide.
4) Ethane burns to give CO2 and H20.
5) Potassium burns in air.
6) calcium carbonate gets decomposed
7) Phosphorus burns to give its pentoxide.
8) Zinc reacts with dilute H2SO4.
9) Butane burns and forms water and carbon dioxide.
10) Lead nitrate gets decomposed to its oxide,NO2 and O2
respectively.

WHAT ARE THE INFORMATIONS WHICH ARE OBTAINED

FROM A BALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATION?
(SIGNIFICANCES OF CHEMICAL EQUATIONS)

A balanced chemical equation gives the following informations :

1 The symbols and molecular formula of reactants and products.

2 The total number of atoms or molecules of reactants and products.
3 The ratio of molecular weight of reactants and products.
4 The chemical composition of reactants and products.
 5 The type of chemical reaction.
6 Proves the law of conservation of mass.
7 Result of chemical change.

Interpretation of above informations

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
REACTANTS PRODUCTS
Number of atoms 4 H atoms & 2 O 6 atoms
atoms
Number of molecules 2 Hydrogen & 1 2 water molecules
oxygen molecules
Molecular weight 4 and 32 36
2 hydrogen atoms 2 hydrogen atoms and
Chemical composition make one hydrogen 1 oxygen atom make 1
molecule. 2 oxygen water molecule.
atoms make one
oxygen molecule.

Type of chemical reaction →Addition/combination/synthesis reaction

𝟒 𝟏
Ratio of H2 to H20 is = 𝟗 = 𝟏: 𝟗
𝟑𝟔
𝟑𝟐 𝟖
Ratio of O2 to water is = 𝟗 = 𝟖: 𝟗
𝟑𝟔
Since the masses in reactants and products are equal, the chemical
equation provides satisfaction of law of conservation of mass.
The chemical equation shows the formation of water, which is result of
the chemical change.

LIMITATIONS OF BALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

A balanced chemical equation has the following limitations:
1. It does not tell us about the reaction conditions such as
temperature, pressure and the presence of catalyst etc.
2. It does not tell us about the physical state of the reactants and
products.
 3. It does not tell us whether heat is absorbed or released in the
chemical reaction.
4. It does not tell us anything about the concentration of reactants
and products.
5. It does not tell us anything about the rate of reaction i.e it does not
tell us about the time taken by the reaction for its completion.

MODIFICATIONS OF CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

(REMOVAL OF LIMITATIONS)
The chemical equation which gives more information about the chemical
reaction is known as more informative or information giving equation.
The chemical equations can be made more informative in three ways :
1. By indicating the “physical states” of the reactants and products.
2. By indicating the “heat changes” taking place in the reaction.
3. By indicating the “conditions” under which the reaction takes place.
• The physical state of the reactants and products are specified by
using (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gases and (aq) for aqueous
solution. e .g.
Na (s) + Cl2 (g) → NaCl (s)
Zn (s) + HCl (aq) → ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)
Note : The gaseous substance which is evolved during the
reaction may also be indicated by an arrow pointing upwards. The
solid substance which precipitates out from the reaction mixture is
indicated by an arrow pointing downwards.
• An exothermic reaction is indicated by writing “+ Heat” or “+ Heat
energy” or just “+ Energy” on the products’ side of an equation.
C (s) + O2 (g) → CO2 (g) + Heat
CH4 (g) + O2 (g) → CO2 (g) + H2O (l) + Heat

An endothermic reaction is usually indicated by writing

“+ Heat” or “+ Heat energy ” or just “+ Energy” on the reactants’
side of an equation.
N2 (g) + O2 (g) + Heat → NO (g)
( Nitrogen monoxide)
 CaCO3 (s)+ Heat → CaO(s)+ CO2 (g)

TYPES OF CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

Depending upon the nature of reaction i.e. the type of chemical change
taking place, chemical reactions have been broadly classified into four
types :
Some of the important types of chemical reactions are :
1. Combination/Addition/Synthesis reactions
2. Decomposition reactions
3. Displacement reactions ( Single & Double Displacement)
4. Acid – Base reaction

COMBINATION/ADDITION/SYNTHESIS REACTION
The chemical reaction in which two or more reactants react together to
form a single product is known as addition reaction.
Basic form :
Element + Element ––––> Compound
Compound + Compound ––––> Compound
Compound + Element ––––> Compound

Examples 👇
when we burn a magnesium ribbon (magnesium wire) in air, then a
combination reaction takes place with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.
Mg (s) + O2 (g) → MgO (s)
Hydrogen burns in oxygen to form water.
H2 (g) + O2 (g) → H2O (l)
Carbon (coal) burns in air to form carbon dioxide.
C (s) + O2 (g) → CO2 (g)
Hydrogen combines with chlorine in presence of sunlight to form
hydrogen chloride gas.
H2 (g) + Cl2 (g) → HCl (g)
Sodium metal burns in chlorine to form sodium chloride :
Na (s) + Cl2 (g) → NaCl (s)
When iron powder is heated with sulphur, iron sulphide is formed
Fe (s) + S (s) → FeS (s)
Ammonia gas formation reaction
N2 (g) + H2 (g) → NH3 (g)

Combination reactions between Compounds

Calcium oxide (lime or quicklime) reacts vigorously with water to form

calcium hydroxide (slaked lime).
CaO (s) + H2O (l) → Ca(OH)2 (s)
Note 1 : Metallic oxides react with water to form bases.

Ammonia reacts with hydrogen chloride to form ammonium chloride.

NH3 (g) + HCl (g) → NH4Cl (s)
Action of carbon dioxide on quick lime to form calcium carbonate.
CaO (s) + CO2 (g) → CaCO3 (s)
Reaction between ammonia and sulphuric acid to form ammonium
sulphate.
NH3 (g) + H2SO4 (aq) → (NH4)2SO4 (aq)
Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid.
CO2 (g) + H2O (l) → H2CO3 (aq)
Note 2 : Non-metallic oxides react with water to form acids.

Note :3 Metallic oxides and non-metallic oxides react together to form

salts.

COMBINATION REACTIONS BETWEEN AN ELEMENT AND A COMPOUND.

Reaction between carbon monoxide and oxygen to form carbon dioxide.
CO (g) + O2 (g) → CO2 (g)
Reaction between Sulphur dioxide and oxygen to form Sulphur trioxide.
SO2 (g) + O2 (g) → SO3 (g)
NO ( g) + O2 (g) → NO2 (g)
Addition of three compounds to form a single product.
CaCO3 (s) + H2O (l) + CO2 (g) ––––> Ca(HCO3)2 (aq)

DECOMPOSITION OR ANALYSIS REACTION :

The chemical reaction in which a single reactant decomposes into two or
more simpler substances is known as decomposition reaction.
The decomposition reactions are carried out by applying heat, light or
electricity. Heat, light or electricity provide energy which breaks a
compound into two or more simpler compounds.
Please note that a decomposition reaction is just the opposite of
combination reaction.

THERMAL DECOMPOSITION REACTION

The decomposition reaction which is carried out by the absorption of
heat is known as thermal decomposition reaction.

Metallic carbonates decompose into metallic oxide and CO2 .

CaCO3 (s) + Heat → CaO (s) + CO2 (g)

ZnCO3 (s) + Heat → ZnO(s) + CO2 (g)
CuCO3 (s) + Heat → CuO (s) + CO2 (g) + O2 (g)

Metallic nitrates decompose into metallic oxide, NO2 and O2

Pb(NO3)2 (s) + Heat → PbO (s) + NO2 (g) + O2 (g)

Metallic chlorates decompose into metallic chloride and O2

KClO3 (s) + Heat → KCl (s) + O2 (g)
Mercuric oxide decomposes on heating into mercury and oxygen
gas.

HgO (s) + Heat ––––> Hg (l) + O2 (g)

ELECTROLYTIC DECOMPOSITION REACTION
(ELECTROLYSIS REACTION)
The decomposition reaction which takes place when electric
current is passed through the compound in the molten state or
in aqueous solution is known as electrolytic decomposition
reaction. Some examples are shown as :
When electric current is passed through acidified water, it
decomposes to give hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.
H2O (l) → H2 (g) + O2 (g)

Electrolysis reaction 👆

When electric current is passed through molten sodium chloride,

it decomposes to give sodium metal and chlorine gas :
NaCl → Na (s) + Cl2 (g)
(Molten Sodium chloride)

When electric current is passed through molten aluminium

oxide, it decomposes to give aluminium metal and oxygen gas
Al2O3 → Al (s) + O2 (g)
(Molten Aluminium trioxide)

Note 3 : Binary compounds decompose into respective elements

as shown in the examples of Electrolytic decomposition reaction.
DISPLACEMENT REACTIONS
The chemical reactions in which one element takes the place of
another element in a compound, are known as displacement
reactions.
In general, a more reactive element displaces a less reactive
element from its compound.
On the basis of number of displacing

1. SINGLE DISPLACEMENT REACTION

2. DOUBLE DISPLACEMENT REACTION

• SINGLE DISPLACEMENT REACTION

When a piece of iron metal (say, an iron nail) is placed in copper
sulphate solution, iron sulphate solution and copper metal are
formed.
Fe (s) + CuSO4 (aq) –––––> FeSO4 (aq) + Cu (s)
In this reaction, iron displaces copper from copper sulphate
solution. The deep blue colour of copper sulphate solution fades
due to the formation of light green solution of iron sulphate. A
red-brown coating (or layer) of copper metal is formed on the
surface of iron metal (or iron nail).

When a piece of magnesium metal is placed in copper sulphate

solution, then magnesium sulphate solution and copper metal
are formed :
Mg (s) + CuSO4 (aq) ––––> MgSO4 (aq) + Cu (s)

When a copper strip is placed in a solution of silver nitrate, then

copper nitrate solution and silver metal are formed :
Cu (s) + AgNO3 (aq) ––––> Cu(NO3)2 (aq) + Ag (s)

Iron metal reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form iron (II)
chloride and hydrogen gas :
Fe (s) + HCl (aq) ––––>FeCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Magnesium metal reacts with hydrochloric acid to form

magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas
Mg (s) + HCl (aq) ––––> MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)
When a strip of lead metal is placed in a solution of copper
chloride, then lead chloride solution and copper metal are
formed :
Pb (s) + CuCl2 (aq) ––––> PbCl2 ( aq) + Cu (s)

When a strip of zinc metal is placed in copper sulphate

solution,zinc sulphate and copper metal are formed.
Zn(s) + CuSO4 (aq) –––––> ZnSO4 (aq) + Cu(s)

Reaction between zinc and dilute sulphuric acid or dilute

hydrochloric acid.
Zn (s) + dil. H2SO4 –––––> ZnSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)
Zn (s) + dil. HCl –––––> ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)
Note 4 : copper and silver metals do not react with acids because
they are less electropositive than hydrogen. So they can not
displace hydrogen from acids.

Sodium metal reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide

solution and hydrogen gas :
Na (s) + H2O (l) ––––> NaOH (aq) + H2 (g)
In this displacement reaction, sodium displaces hydrogen from
water because sodium is much more reactive than hydrogen.
Hence,it can displace hydrogen even from water.

Chlorine gas reacts with potassium iodide solution to form

potassium chloride and iodine.
Cl2 (g) + KI (aq) –––––> KCl (aq) + I2 (s)
Cl2 (g) + KBr (aq) –––––> KCl (aq) + Br2 (l)

Most of the common displacement reactions occur in aqueous

solutions (water solutions). There are,however, some
displacement reactions which occur between solid substances as
well. Examples :
Strongly heating ferric oxide with aluminum powder ,the more
active aluminium displaces Iron from ferric oxide.
Fe2O3 (s) + Al (s) –––––> Al2O3 (s) + Fe (l)
Please note that so much heat is produced in this reaction that
iron is obtained in the molten state (liquid state).

When copper oxide is heated with magnesium powder, then

magnesium oxide and copper are formed.
CuO (s) + Mg (s) ––––––> MgO (s) + Cu (s)

DOUBLE DISPLACEMENT REACTIONS

When silver nitrate solution is added to sodium chloride

solution, then a white precipitate of silver chloride is formed
along with sodium nitrate solution :
AgNO3 (aq) + NaCl (aq) ––––> AgCl (s) + NaNO3 (aq)
When barium chloride solution is added to sodium sulphate
solution, then a white precipitate of barium sulphate is formed
along with sodium chloride solution :
BaCl2 (aq) + Na2SO4 (aq) ––––> BaSO4 (s) + NaCl (aq)

If barium chloride solution is added to copper sulphate solution,

then a white precipitate of barium sulphate is produced along
with copper chloride solution :
BaCl2 (aq) + CuSO4 (aq) ––––> BaSO4 (s) + CuCl2 (aq)

When ammonium hydroxide solution is added to aluminium

chloride solution, then a white precipitate of aluminium
hydroxide is formed along with ammonium chloride solution :
AlCl3 (aq) + NH4OH (aq) ––––> Al(OH)3 (s) + NH4Cl (aq)

When copper sulphate solution reacts with ammonium

hydroxide solution, bluish white precipitate of copper hydroxide
is formed along with ammonium sulphate solution:
CuSO4 (aq) + NH4OH (aq) ––––> Cu(OH)2 (aq) + (NH4)2SO4 (aq)

When potassium iodide solution is added to lead nitrate

solution, then a yellow precipitate of lead iodide is produced
along with potassium nitrate solution :
Pb(NO3)2 (aq) + KI (aq) ––––> PbI2 (s) + KNO3 (aq)

The reactions between acids and bases to form salts and water
are also double displacement reactions. For example, sodium
hydroxide and hydrochloric acid react to form sodium chloride.
and water :
NaOH (aq) + HCl (aq) ––––> NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)

When dilute sulphuric acid is added to pieces of iron sulphide,

hydrogen sulphide gas is produced and soluble ferrous sulphate
is formed. Here , exchange of two different ions has taken place.
FeS (s) + dil. H2SO4 ––––> FeSO4 (aq) + H2S (g)

When hydrogen sulphide gas is passed through copper sulphate

solution, then a black precipitate of copper sulphide is formed
along with sulphuric acid solution :
CuSO4 (aq) + H2S (g) ––––> CuS (s) + H2SO4 (aq)

PRECIPITATION REACTION DEFINITION

The chemical reaction in which aqueous solutions of two
compounds on mixing react to form an insoluble compound
which separates out as a solid (precipitate) or such an insoluble
substance is formed when a gas is passed through the solution of
a compound are known as precipitation reactions.
Or
Any reaction in which an insoluble solid (called precipitate) is
formed that separates from the solution is known as
precipitation reaction.

ACID – BASE REACTION (NEUTRALIZATION REACTION)

The chemical reaction in which an acid reacts with a base to form
salt and water is known as acid-base reaction.
The acidic nature of acid and basic nature of base are neutralized
by base and acid respectively. Thus, acid-base reaction is also
known as neutralization reaction.
In fact, these reactions are also double displacement reactions.
Examples :

H2SO4 (aq) + NaOH (aq) ––––> Na2SO4 (aq) + H2O (l)

HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) ––––> NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)
HCl (aq) + KOH (aq) ––––> KCl (aq) + H2O (l)
CH3COOH (aq) + NaOH (aq) ––––> CH3COONa (aq) + H2O (l)
HCl (aq) + NH4OH (aq) ––––> NH4Cl (aq) + H2O (l)
HNO3 (aq) + Ca(OH)2 (aq) ––––> Ca(NO3)2 (aq) + H2O (l)
(COOH)2 (aq) + NaOH (aq) ––––> (COONa)2 (aq) + H2O (l)
H2SO4 (aq) + MgO (s) ––––> MgSO4 (aq) + H2O (l)
HNO3 (aq) + KOH (aq) ––––> KNO3 (aq) + H2O (l)
HCl (aq) + CuO (s) ––––> CuCl2 (aq) + H2O (l)
H2SO4 (aq) + CaO (s) –––––> CaSO4 (aq) + H2O (l)
H2SO4 (aq) + FeO (s) –––––> FeSO4 (aq) + H2O (l)

ENERGY CHANGES IN CHEMICAL REACTIONS

(EXOTHERMIC AND ENDOTHERMIC REACTIONS)
It is a common experience that whenever a chemical reaction
takes place ,energy is either absorbed or released. The absorbed
or evolved energies might be in the form of heat, light,
mechanical or electrical energies.
On the basis of absorption or evolution of heat energy, chemical
reactions have been classified into two types :
• Exothermic chemical reaction
• Endothermic chemical reaction
EXOTHERMIC CHEMICAL REACTION
The chemical reactions in which heat is evolved are known as
exothermic chemical reactions.
Combustion reactions are exothermic reactions.
C (s) + O2 (g) ––––> CO2 (g) + Heat
CH4 (g) + O2 (g) ––––> CO2 (g) + H2O (l) + Heat
C2H6 (g) + O2 (g) ––––> CO2 (g) + H2O (l) + Heat
S (s) + O2 (g) ––––> SO2 (g) + Heat
Respiration in living organisms is also exothermic reaction.
C6H12O6 (aq) + O2 (g) ––––> CO2 (g) + H2O (l) + Energy
When a small quantity of water is added to lime, a large amount
of heat is liberated. The heat liberated is so large that yhe water
starts boiling. This can be seen during the preparation of lime –
slurry for white washing.
CaO (s) + H2O (l)––––> Ca(OH)2 (aq) + Heat
Reaction between metals and dilute acids
Zn (s) + dil. HCl ––––> ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g) + Heat
Mg (s) + dil HCl ––––> MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)
Ignition of matchstick head is also exothermic reaction.
When you light a matchstick by rubbing it on the rough surface
of a matchbox , chemical reaction takes place with the emission
of heat energy.
Rottening of vegetable matter
The decomposition of vegetable matter into compost is also an
exothermic reaction.

ENDOTHERMIC CHEMICAL REACTION

The chemical reactions in which heat is absorbed are known as
endothermic chemical reactions.
Examples:
N2 (g) + O2 (g) + Heat ––––> NO (g)
Or
N2 (g) + O2 (g) ––––> NO (g) – Heat
All the examples of thermal decomposition reactions are
endothermic chemical reactions.

RATE OF CHEMICAL EQUATIONS

Different chemicals react at different rates i.e different
chemical reactions occur at different rates. Some are very
fast while some are very slow in nature.
For example , when a drop of aqueous AgNO 3 is added to
a test-tube containing aqueous NaCl , the formation of
white ppt of AgCl (s) takes place within a second.so it is a
fast reaction. However, the formation of rust over the.
surface of iron takes at least few hours. Hence, it is a fast
reaction.
DEFINITION OF RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTION

The rate of chemical reaction is defined as the change in

concentration of reactants or products per unit time.
Or
Rate of chemical reaction is defined as the rate of change
in concentration of reactants or products.
Mathematically,
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
= 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒏.

FACTORS THAT ENHANCE RATE OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS

There are four factors which enhance the rate of chemical
reactions:
1. Concentration of reactants
2. Surface area of reactants
3. Temperature
4. Chemical nature of reactants.
CONCENTRATION OF REACTANTS
The rate of chemical reaction increases with increase in the
concentration of reactants.
This is because increase in concentration makes increase in
number of collisions between atoms or molecules. As a result,
number of effective collisions also increases. Example
 • CaCO3 reacts with dilute HCl slowly whereas CaCO3 reacts
vigorously with conc. HCl.

Relation : The concentration of reactants is directly

proportional to the rate of chemical reaction.

SURFACE AREA OF REACTANTS (POWDERING THE

REACTANTS)

The rate of chemical reaction increases when surface area of

solid reactants is increased. This is because greater surface area
of solid reactants lead to increase in number of effective
collisions between atoms or molecules. Examples:
• Powdered CaCO3 reacts more vigorously with dil. HCl than
marble chips do.
• Granulated zinc reacts with dil. HCl to form H2
gas at a greater speed.

Zn (s) + dil. HCl –––––> ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

On powdering the solid reactants, surface area of reactants

increase. As a result, there will be more collisions between
the reacting substances.

Relation : The surface area of reactants is

directly proportional to the rate of chemical reaction.

TEMPERATURE

The rate of chemical reaction generally increases

on increasing temperature. This is because increase
in temperature increases the energy of reacting
species increases which increases the frequency of
collision.

CHEMICAL NATURE OF REACTANTS