Chemical reaction is spelled with two syllables in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈkɛmɪkəl/ /riˈækʃən/. The first syllable "chem" is pronounced with a short "e" sound as in "bed" and the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable "i-cal" is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a long "i" sound and stress on the second syllable. Finally, "reaction" is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable, short "a" sound and a "shun" /ʃən/ ending.
A chemical reaction refers to the process in which one or more substances, known as reactants, interact with each other and undergo a physical or chemical transformation, resulting in the formation of different substances called products. This reaction occurs due to the breaking and formation of chemical bonds between atoms, leading to a rearrangement of their arrangement and the release or absorption of energy.
Chemical reactions are characterized by several key features. Firstly, they involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds between atoms, ions, or molecules. Energy is either released or absorbed during this process, which can take the form of heat, light, or electricity.
Secondly, chemical reactions obey the principle of conservation of mass, meaning that the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products. Atoms are not created or destroyed, they are merely rearranged into different molecular structures.
Additionally, chemical reactions can be classified into several types based on their characteristics and outcomes. Some common types include synthesis (two or more reactants forming a single product), decomposition (a single reactant breaking down into simpler substances), combustion (a reaction with oxygen resulting in the release of energy), and redox (involving the transfer of electrons between reactants).
Chemical reactions are fundamental to a wide range of phenomena and natural processes, such as photosynthesis, respiration, digestion, and numerous industrial applications. By studying the mechanisms and properties of chemical reactions, scientists can better understand and manipulate matter to develop new materials, medicines, and technologies.
The word "chemical" originates from the Arabic word "kimiyā", which was a branch of alchemy. This term, in turn, traces its roots to the Greek word "khēmeía" and the Egyptian word "khem" both referring to the ancient art of transforming substances through different processes.
The word "reaction" comes from the Latin term "reactio", which means "a response" or "a reflex action". It is derived from the verb "reagere", where "re-" signifies "back", and "agere" means "to act".
Therefore, the etymology of "chemical reaction" combines the ancient knowledge of alchemy with the idea of substances responding and interacting with one another.