| Chemical reactions govern the behavior of the world around us. When two or more molecules interact and change chemically, a reaction occurs through the breaking of bonds and the formation of new bonds. Chemical reactions can generally be classified as synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double displacement, combustion and polymerization. Following the Law of Conservation of Mass, all chemical reactions must be balanced in terms of the number of atoms involved. They should also relay pertinent information about the reaction, such as the state of matter of the reactants and products. The formation of bonds releases energy, and the breaking of bonds requires the input of energy. Based on the reactants and products, some reactions are exothermic while others are endothermic. |
