Reactions
Chemical reactions surround us. Types of reactions, reaction rates, catalysts, acids and bases — and what happens at the particle level.
Lessons
12 totalTypes of chemical reactions
Classify reactions by what's happening at the particle level.
Synthesis and decomposition reactions
Building up and breaking down — two fundamental reaction types.
Combustion and oxidation
Fire, rusting and breathing — all involve oxygen.
Acids and bases
The pH scale — from stomach acid to baking soda.
Neutralisation reactions
Acid plus base — they cancel each other out.
Precipitation reactions
When two clear solutions make a solid.
Factors affecting reaction rates
Four ways to make a reaction go faster or slower.
Temperature and concentration effects
How temperature and concentration affect collision frequency — and why the size of the rate change must be measured.
Surface area and particle size
More exposed surface means more places for reactions to start.
Catalysts
Speed up the reaction without being used up.
Energy in reactions
Exothermic reactions release energy — endothermic ones absorb it.
Reactions in context
Apply reaction chemistry to a real-world problem.
Syllabus Outcomes
- SC5-RXN-01 Describes a range of reaction types
- SC5-RXN-02 Explains the factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions