I CAN investigate and classify chemical reactions based on the evidence of a chemical change.
I CAN investigate and identify evidence of chemical changes, including changes in phase, appearance, colour, odour, and energy.
Is it a Chemical Reaction?
Students rotate through different stations with small demonstrations (or teacher-led demos):
Dissolving sugar in water
Mixing vinegar and baking soda
Lighting a candle
Crumpling paper
Adding food coloring to water
Students fill in a chart:
Using your senses, describe what happened.
Was it a chemical or physical change? Why?
Discuss as a class.
I CAN Investigate and Classify Chemical Reactions Based on the Evidence of a Chemical Change
Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms to form new substances. By observing the changes that happen during a reaction, we can classify the type of chemical reaction and understand what’s happening at the molecular level.
What is a Chemical Change?
A chemical change occurs when a substance undergoes a transformation that produces one or more new substances with different properties. This is different from a physical change, where the substance itself doesn’t change chemically (e.g., melting ice, tearing paper).
Evidence of a Chemical Change:
When a chemical change happens, certain evidence can help us identify it. These clues can include:
Change in Phase:
Solid → Liquid → Gas:
The formation or disappearance of solids, liquids, or gases during a reaction.
Example: When you mix baking soda with vinegar, a gas (carbon dioxide) is produced.
Change in Appearance:
The reactants may change shape or form a new substance with a different appearance.
Example: A metal can tarnish (oxidize) and change colour, like when iron rusts.
Change in Colour:
A chemical reaction can cause the reactants or products to change colour.
Example: When iron rusts, it changes from metallic grey to reddish-brown.
Change in Odour:
A new smell may be produced as a result of a chemical reaction.
Example: When vinegar reacts with baking soda, a sour smell may be produced.
Energy Change:
A chemical reaction can release or absorb energy. This can be in the form of heat, light, or sound.
Exothermic: Reactions that release energy (e.g., burning fuel).
Endothermic: Reactions that absorb energy (e.g., cold packs).
Example: When a match is lit (combustion), energy is released in the form of heat and light.
I CAN Investigate and Identify Evidence of Chemical Changes, Including Changes in Phase, Appearance, Colour, Odour, and Energy
Chemical reactions can be classified based on how the atoms are rearranged and the types of substances involved. Below are the main types of chemical reactions you will investigate:
Composition (Synthesis) Reactions
Definition: Two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex compound.
General Formula: A + B → AB
Example: When hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen gas, water is formed: 2H2+O2→2H2
Evidence: You might observe a change in appearance or temperature when the reaction happens.
Decomposition Reactions
Definition: A single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances.
General Formula: AB → A + B
Example: When hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen gas: 2H2O2→2H2O+O2
Evidence: Gas may be produced, or the substance might change colour as the reaction occurs.
Combustion Reactions
Definition: A substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light, typically resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide and water.
General Formula: Hydrocarbon + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
Example: Burning methane gas: CH4+2O2→CO2+2H2O
Evidence: Heat, light, and sometimes a change in colour (e.g., flames) occur.
Neutralization Reactions
Definition: An acid reacts with a base to form water and a salt.
General Formula: Acid + Base → Salt + Water
Example: When hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide: HCl+NaOH→NaCl+H2O
Evidence: A colour change may occur, and energy may be released as heat.
To identify evidence of a chemical change, look for these signs during or after the reaction:
Gas Production:
Bubbles or the release of gas indicates that a chemical reaction has occurred.
Example: The fizzing when baking soda reacts with vinegar.
Colour Change:
A change in colour can signify a chemical reaction.
Example: A piece of copper metal reacts with oxygen to form copper oxide, turning it greenish-black.
Energy Change:
A noticeable temperature change, light, or sound can be evidence of a chemical reaction.
Example: Lighting a match releases heat and light—an exothermic reaction.
Formation of a Precipitate:
A solid that forms from two liquids indicates a chemical change.
Example: Mixing solutions of silver nitrate and sodium chloride results in the formation of a white precipitate of silver chloride.
For each of the following chemicals, indicate what a physical and chemical reaction might be.
The first one has been done for you.
Baking Soda
Chemical Change: Reacts with vinegar to produce carbon dioxide gas (acid-base reaction).
Physical Change: Dissolves in water.
Water
Sugar
Milk
Paper
Lemon Juice
Salt
Gasoline
2.1 Answers