🧪 What do baking a cake, scrubbing a pan, and whitening your teeth have in common?

Think of three everyday tasks that involve chemistry.  Record these in your notes. Explain why you think chemistry is involved.

🔥💡 The answer to the first question is that all three involved chemical changes:

• Baking a cake - heat causes a reaction in the baking

• Scrubbing pans - involves acides breaking down stains

• Whitening your teeth - oxidation chemicals are found in teeht whitening products.

Sticky-note Storm

What chemicals or items in your house can you mix together?  Record your ideas on a sticky-note or scrap piece of paper. 

Share them with a partner and discuss other items you can combine to make something. 

When you share the items, think about what the end result is when you mix them.

Common Household Chemical Reactions

Select one reaction.

• Acid-Base Reactions (Neutralization) 

• Oxidation Reactions 

• Combustion Reactions 

• Decomposition Reactions 

• Precipitation Reactions 

Investigate the reaction by researching the answer to each of these questions

Record your findings on the chart paper.

Be the expert and share your findings with the class.

What is Chemistry at Home? 

Chemistry is all around us! Many household activities involve chemical reactions.

Examples:

• Cooking (baking soda reacts with heat to make cakes rise)

• Cleaning (soaps and detergents break down grease)

• Personal care (shampoo and toothpaste use chemical reactions to work)

Common Types of Chemical Reactions in Everyday Life

1. Acid-Base Reactions (Neutralization)

Description: A reaction between an acid and a base that produces a salt and water.

Where it is used:

• • Antacid tablets neutralizing stomach acid

  • Water treatment to adjust pH levels

  • Soap and detergent manufacturing

Precautions:

• • Handle acids and bases with care; they can be corrosive.

  • Use protective gear such as gloves and goggles.

  • Properly dispose of neutralized products to prevent environmental harm.

2. Oxidation Reactions

Description: A reaction in which a substance loses electrons, often involving oxygen.

Where it is used:

• • Corrosion and rusting of metals

  • Cellular respiration in living organisms

  • Bleaching and disinfecting processes

Precautions:

• • Store metals properly to prevent rusting.

  • Use antioxidants in food and medicine to slow oxidation.

  • Handle strong oxidizers (e.g., bleach) with care.

Precautions:

• • Proper ventilation when working with reducing agents.

  • Store reducing agents separately from oxidizers.

  • Avoid direct skin contact with reactive reducing substances.

3. Combustion Reactions

Description: A reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen to release energy in the form of heat and light.

Where it is used:

• • Fuel combustion in engines (gasoline, diesel)

  • Cooking (burning of natural gas)

  • Fireworks and explosives

Precautions:

• • Store fuels away from ignition sources.

  • Ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

  • Use fire extinguishers in case of uncontrolled combustion.

4. Decomposition Reactions

Description: A reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances.

Where it is used:

• • Breaking down organic waste in composting

  • Explosives (e.g., TNT decomposition)

  • Chemical manufacturing (e.g., calcium carbonate breaking down in cement production)

Precautions:

• • Store unstable compounds properly (e.g., hydrogen peroxide in dark bottles).

  • Avoid exposure to extreme heat or light that may trigger decomposition.

  • Handle explosive decomposition reactions with care.

5. Precipitation Reactions

Description: A reaction where two aqueous solutions combine to form an insoluble solid (precipitate).

Where it is used:

• • Water treatment (removal of impurities)

  • Medical testing (e.g., blood tests)

  • Chemical analysis and separation processes

Precautions:

• • Dispose of precipitates safely to prevent pollution.

  • Use proper glassware to avoid contamination.

  • Store chemicals properly to prevent unwanted precipitation reactions.

Investigation

Using the site 20 Household Cleaning Products You Shouldn't Use Together, respond to the questions for each combination.

What are the products being mixed?

What is the ph level of these individual items?

Is this item a base, acid, or neutral?

What happens when you mix these two items?

• What are the physical changes?

• What are the chemical changes?

What are the risks associated with mixing these two items?

On your assignment document or Google Classroom if available, respond to the reflective questions and submit for assessment.

1. How do you think understanding chemical reactions at home can help you make more informed decisions about safety or everyday tasks (like cleaning, cooking, or using medicines)?

2. Reflect on the importance of understanding reactions like oxidation or combustion in terms of energy use and environmental impact. How can this knowledge help us conserve resources or protect the environment?

1.4: Chemistry at Work