Class 10 · Science · Chapter 1

Introduction

Chemical Reactions and Equations

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Introduction to chemical reactions

Welcome to the Chapter

Hello, students! Today we are going to begin the first chapter of Class 10 Science, titled Chemical Reactions and Equations.

Many changes take place around us every day. Milk turns into curd, iron gets rusted, food is cooked, and substances burn. Have you ever wondered what causes these changes?

Many of these changes occur because of chemical reactions. In this chapter, we will learn what a chemical reaction is, how it can be identified, and how it can be represented with the help of chemical equations. Let us begin with some interesting events from our surroundings.

Fresh milk and curdled milk

Milk Turning into Curd

In this picture, you can see fresh milk and milk that has turned sour and curdled after some time.

During warm weather, when milk is left at room temperature, certain bacteria present in it can multiply rapidly. These bacteria convert a sugar called lactose into lactic acid. As the acidity increases, the milk proteins coagulate and curd is formed.

This process is associated with fermentation. The chemical composition and properties of milk change during this process. Therefore, the formation of curd from milk is an example of a chemical reaction.

New iron pan and rusty iron pan

Rusting of Iron

Now, this picture shows a new iron pan and a rusty iron pan.

When iron remains in contact with air and moisture for a long time, a brown layer gradually forms on its surface. This process is called rusting.

Iron reacts in the presence of oxygen and moisture to form rust, whose properties are different from those of iron. The formation of a new substance is an important indication of a chemical reaction. Therefore, rusting is also an example of a chemical reaction.

Examples of chemical reactions in daily life

More Chemical Reactions in Daily Life

Let us understand a few more examples of chemical reactions from everyday life. The first is fermentation, in which microorganisms convert certain substances, such as sugars, into other substances. For example, fermentation takes place when grapes are used to make wine.

The second example is cooking. When we cook food, heat causes many chemical changes. The colour, taste, and texture of food change.

The third example is digestion. In our body, enzymes help break complex food molecules into simpler substances.

The fourth example is respiration. In this process, glucose is broken down inside cells and energy is released. Glucose reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + EnergyOverall equation for aerobic respiration

Thus, chemical reactions are an essential part of our food, our bodies, and everyday life.

Reactants forming products in a chemical reaction

What Is a Chemical Reaction?

Now the question is: what exactly is a chemical reaction? A chemical reaction is a process in which one or more substances change to form new substances with properties different from those of the original substances.

Two important terms used in a chemical reaction are reactants and products. Reactants are the substances present at the beginning of a reaction that take part in it. Products are the new substances formed as a result of the reaction.

In the illustration, molecules of the reactants are changing into molecules of the products. In an actual chemical reaction, atoms are rearranged; they are not created or destroyed in an ordinary chemical change. Remember: reactants are present at the beginning, while products are formed after the reaction.

Burning magnesium ribbon and formation of magnesium oxide

NCERT Activity 1.1 — Burning of Magnesium Ribbon

Let us now understand NCERT Activity 1.1. First, a magnesium ribbon is cleaned with sandpaper to remove the layer of magnesium oxide present on its surface.

Next, the ribbon is held with a pair of tongs and brought into the flame of a burner. Magnesium burns with a dazzling white light and, at the end, forms a white powder. This white powder is magnesium oxide.

In words, the reaction can be described as: magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide. Two magnesium atoms react with one molecule of oxygen to form two formula units of magnesium oxide.

2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s)Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium oxide

A new substance is formed in this activity, and heat and light are released. Therefore, it is a clear example of a chemical reaction. For safety, this experiment should be performed under a teacher’s supervision. Do not look directly at burning magnesium.

Lead nitrate and potassium iodide solutions forming a yellow precipitate

NCERT Activity 1.2 — Formation of a Yellow Precipitate

Let us begin Activity 1.2. We have two colourless solutions: the first is lead nitrate solution and the second is potassium iodide solution.

When the two solutions are mixed, a yellow solid is formed. This solid is called a precipitate. The precipitate formed here is lead iodide.

In words, lead nitrate reacts with potassium iodide to form lead iodide and potassium nitrate. Lead iodide appears as a yellow precipitate, while potassium nitrate remains dissolved in the solution.

Pb(NO3)2(aq) + 2KI(aq) → PbI2(s) + 2KNO3(aq)Lead nitrate + Potassium iodide → Lead iodide + Potassium nitrate

Both solutions were colourless at the beginning, but a yellow solid appeared after mixing. The colour change and precipitate formation are evidence that a chemical reaction has occurred.

Close-up view of yellow lead iodide precipitate

Precipitation Reaction

This panel shows the visible change in the same reaction more clearly. As potassium iodide solution is added to lead nitrate solution, a yellow lead iodide precipitate is formed.

A precipitate is an insoluble solid that forms and separates out when solutions react. Our observation is the formation of a yellow-coloured solid. This is not merely a change in colour; it is also evidence that a new substance has formed.

That is why this reaction is called a precipitation reaction. Remember, the formation of a precipitate is an important observable indication of a chemical reaction.

Zinc reacting with dilute hydrochloric acid and releasing hydrogen gas

NCERT Activity 1.3 — Evolution of Hydrogen Gas

Now let us move to Activity 1.3. Zinc granules are placed in a conical flask. Dilute hydrochloric acid is then added to the flask.

As soon as the acid comes into contact with zinc, gas bubbles begin to appear around the zinc granules. These bubbles are hydrogen gas.

In words, zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.

Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)Zinc + Hydrochloric acid → Zinc chloride + Hydrogen

The formation of gas bubbles is evidence that a chemical reaction is taking place. This activity shows that the evolution of gas is an important indication of a chemical reaction.

Temperature change during a chemical reaction

Temperature Change and Exothermic Reactions

In the previous experiment, we saw that hydrogen gas is formed when zinc reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid. Now let us focus on the change in temperature.

Under ordinary laboratory conditions, this reaction releases heat. Therefore, the temperature of the flask may rise and the flask may feel warmer than before. A reaction that releases heat is called an exothermic reaction. Hence, the reaction between zinc and dilute hydrochloric acid is an example of an exothermic reaction.

To identify hydrogen gas, a burning-splint test may be performed in a laboratory under a teacher’s supervision. Hydrogen may produce a characteristic pop sound when it burns. When hydrogen reacts with oxygen, water is formed and heat is released.

2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l) + HeatHydrogen + Oxygen → Water

Remember that hydrogen is highly flammable. This test must only be carried out with proper laboratory safety precautions. This panel teaches us two important observations: gas evolution and temperature change can be observable signs of a chemical reaction.

Observable signs of chemical reactions

How Can We Identify a Chemical Reaction?

So far, we have observed several chemical reactions. But what observations should we look for to identify a reaction?

One indication is a change in state. During a reaction, a change involving solid, liquid, or gaseous states may be observed. However, a physical change of state by itself is not proof of a chemical reaction.

Another indication is a change in colour. For example, when lead nitrate and potassium iodide solutions are mixed, a yellow precipitate forms. A third indication is the evolution of gas, as seen when zinc reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid and hydrogen bubbles appear.

A fourth indication is a change in temperature. Some reactions release heat, while others absorb heat. Reactions that release heat are called exothermic reactions, whereas reactions that absorb heat are called endothermic reactions.

Remember, all these changes do not have to occur together in every chemical reaction. Other evidence must also be considered.

Summary of chemical reaction observations

Chapter Introduction — Quick Recap

So, students, today we have learned several important ideas about chemical reactions. When magnesium burns, magnesium oxide is formed and heat and light are released. When lead nitrate reacts with potassium iodide, a yellow lead iodide precipitate is formed. When zinc reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, hydrogen gas is evolved and heat may be released.

We have also learned that new substances are formed in chemical reactions. To identify them, observations such as a change in colour, evolution of gas, formation of a precipitate, and change in temperature are useful.

But we still need to learn another important way of writing and understanding chemical reactions: chemical equations. In the next part, we will learn how chemical equations are written, why they must be balanced, and how chemical reactions are classified.

We will then study combination, decomposition, displacement, and double displacement reactions.