|
|
The Language of Chemistry Chemical Reactions
Atoms are re-arranged during a chemical reaction, they are not changed by the reaction.
A chemical reaction is shown like this:
....
reactant(s) |
 |
product(s) |
| |
The arrow represents the reaction taking place. |
|
The reaction shown below represents the element carbon burning in air. It combines with the oxygen gas in the air to make carbon dioxide gas.
|
+ |
|
|
HEAT |
 |
|
One atom of carbon (4 bonding arms) reacts with one molecule of oxygen gas) |
The carbon and oxygen gas need to be heated together for this reaction to proceed. |
During the reaction the two oxygen atoms were separated and then joined to the carbon atom. |
In the next example nitrogen gas reacted with hydrogen gas to form ammonia gas.
|
|
HEAT |
|
|
One molecule of nitrogen gas reacts with three molecules of hydrogen gas. |
These gases need to be heated together for the reaction to proceed. |
The reaction produces two molecules of ammonia gas. |
|
|
The Open Door Web Site 
