Chemical Reactions

Science

A list of elements arranged by descending order of chemical activity

Activity series

A list of elements arranged by descending order of chemical activity. Activity series. The activity series is a ranking of elements from most to least reactive, used to predict how they will behave in chemical reactions.

A chemical reaction written using element symbols and chemical formulas

Chemical equation

A chemical reaction written using element symbols and chemical formulas. Chemical equation. A chemical equation is a representation of a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas to show the substances involved.

The process where substances change into different substances through the breaking of chemical bonds

Chemical reaction

The process where substances change into different substances through the breaking of chemical bonds chemical reaction. A chemical reaction is when substances mix and transform into new substances.

A number placed in front of a symbol or formula in a chemical equation

Coefficient

A number placed in front of a symbol or formula in a chemical equation. Coefficient. In simple terms, a coefficient in science is a number that indicates how many times an element or compound is involved in a reaction.

The burning of a fuel, where it reacts with oxygen to create heat and light

Combustion

The burning of a fuel, where it reacts with oxygen to create heat and light, is called combustion. Combustion is when something burns and releases energy in the form of heat and light.

An equation that shows all ions in a solution, whether or not they participate in a reaction

Complete ionic equation

An equation that shows all ions in a solution, whether or not they participate in a reaction. Complete ionic equation. A complete ionic equation lists all the ions present in a chemical reaction in solution, showing which ions react and which remain unchanged.

The chemical breakdown of a substance into simpler substances

Decomposition

The chemical breakdown of a substance into simpler substances. Decomposition is when complex materials break down into simpler parts, like how food rots or leaves decay.

An ionic equation that shows only the particles that undergo a change in a reaction

Net ionic equation

An ionic equation that shows only the particles that undergo a change in a reaction net ionic equation. A net ionic equation simplifies a chemical reaction by showing only the substances that actually participate in the reaction.

A solid formed when two solutions react

Precipitate

A solid formed when two solutions react precipitate. A precipitate is a solid that appears when certain substances in liquid solutions combine and undergo a chemical reaction.

A new substance formed by a chemical reaction

Product

A new substance formed by a chemical reaction. Product. In Science, a product is what results from the transformation of reactants in a chemical reaction.

A substance that is changed in a chemical reaction

Reactant

A substance that is changed in a chemical reaction. Reactant. In a chemical reaction, a reactant is a starting material that undergoes change to form products.

A chemical reaction where one element replaces another element in a compound

Single-replacement reaction

A chemical reaction where one element replaces another element in a compound. Single-replacement reaction. In this type of reaction, an element swaps places with another element in a compound.

An ion that is present but does not participate in a reaction

Spectator ion

An ion that is present but does not participate in a reaction. Spectator ion. A spectator ion is an ion in a solution that exists in the same form on both the reactant and product sides of a chemical equation.

A reaction that forms a new compound

Synthesis

A reaction that forms a new compound. Synthesis. In Science, synthesis is when two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex substance.