Characteristics of chemical reactions
I can describe some of the changes that indicate a chemical reaction is taking place.
Characteristics of chemical reactions
I can describe some of the changes that indicate a chemical reaction is taking place.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Characteristics of chemical reactions include changes in colour, bubbling, or a change of temperature.
- Bubbles appear when a gas is produced in a chemical reaction.
- In a chemical reaction, atoms rearrange themselves to form new substances.
- Generally, chemical reactions are irreversible.
Common misconception
Pupils do not understand chemical reactions as changes, they considered them to be ‘events’. They focus on observable features e.g. colour change rather than formation of a new substance.
Use questioning to encourage pupils to make links between their observations as evidence that a new substance is formed when substances undergo chemical reactions.
Keywords
Chemical reaction - when atoms are rearranged to make new products and changes can be observed e.g. bubbles of gas forming.
Irreversible reaction - occurs in one direction only where the reactants are converted into the products.
Reactants - elements or compounds before a reaction takes place. Reactants are found on the left hand side of a chemical equation.
Products - elements or compounds that are formed after a reaction has taken place. Products are found on the right hand side of a chemical equation.
Equipment
See additional materials for equipment list
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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