GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

COURSE MODULE COURSE UNIT WEEK

2 9 9
Evidences of Chemical Reaction

 Read course and unit objectives

 Read study guide prior to class attendance
 Read required learning resources and watch the videos; refer to unit terminologies for
jargons
 Proactively participate in classroom discussions
 Participate in weekly discussion board (Canvas)
 Answer and submit course unit tasks

At the end of this unit, the students are expected to:

1. Observe Chemical Reactions

2. Assess whether a Chemical Reaction has taken place or not
3. Differentiate Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions
 Open Educational Resources:
 Evidences of Chemical Reactions
https://youtu.be/zKYGGAjh_Ss
 Evidence of a Chemical Reaction
https://youtu.be/cZMkqagL8Ps

licensed under CC BY-SA

Physical vs. Chemical Change
Atoms in various different configurations create unique molecules. When molecules gather we
get matter in the form of metals, plastics, liquids, etc. Different configurations of atoms in a
molecule can be achieved through various bonds between atoms. A chemical change occurs
when these bonds between atoms are broken and rearranged within the molecule. Examples
include iron rusting, milk souring, and gasoline burning. A physical change occurs when the
molecules rearrange without disturbing the bonds between atoms. Examples include water
boiling and sugar dissolving in water. Many chemical changes can look like a physical change
and vice versa. This is why it is important to know the difference between the 2 changes and
investigate the phenomenon in question to determine what type of change is occurring on a
case by case basis.

Signs of a Chemical Change (Chemical Reaction)

There are various ways to identify if a chemical change is occurring. Some signs include,
change in color, pH, and temperature. Other signs include producing odor, bubbles, liquids,
solids, and heat. However many signs of a chemical change can be misleading. For example,
when an antacid is placed in water the carbon dioxide gas produced is due to a chemical
change, but the carbon dioxide gas produced from a soda can is due to a physical change of
the carbonation escaping the soda solution. Multiple signs of a chemical reaction can signify
that a chemical reaction is indeed occurring. With the chalk and vinegar we saw bubbles being
formed and a pH change. To truly determine if a reaction is occurring a full understanding of
the phenomenon is required. In the case of vinegar and chalk the chemical reaction is:
2 CH3COOH(aq) + CaCO3(s) = H2O(l) + CO2(g) +Ca(CH3COO)2(aq)

When we mix two chemical solutions together there is always the possibility that there will be a
reaction. It is also equally possible that there will not be a reaction. Knowing what will happen
when two chemicals or chemical solutions are combined goes to the very heart of what it
means to be a chemist. While you are not here to become a chemist, it does make sense that
you be shown some of the most common ways to determine whether a reaction will or will not
take place ; so let's start with the question, "what is a chemical reaction?"

A Chemical Reaction is the process that takes place when a substance (or substances) are
brought into contact with each other and produce a new substance(s).
The substance (or substances) initially involved in the chemical reaction are called reactants or
reagents. Chemical reactions are usually characterized by a chemical change, and they yield
one or more products, which usually have properties different from the reactants.

Chemical reactions are represented by Chemical Equations. Chemical equations are balanced
to show the same number of atoms of each element on each side.

In chemistry there is a Law called the Law of Conservation of Mass that states that matter
cannot be created nor destroyed. What this means is that even though different substances
are created during the process of a chemical reaction, none of the reactant atoms are lost.
They are simply rearranged into the new substances.

Endothermic – any process which requires or absorbs thermal energy from its surroundings,
usually in the form of heat. It may be a chemical process, such as dissolving ammonium nitrate
in water, or a physical process, such as the melting of ice cubes.

Exothermic – describes a process or reaction that releases energy from the system to its
surroundings, usually in the form of heat, but also in a form of light, electricity, or sound.

(A) Endothermic reaction. (B) Exothermic reaction. (CC BY-NC; CK-12)

(B)

Study Questions
1. Classify whether endothermic or exothermic process:

a.)

b.)

2. Differentiate endothermic and exothermic reactions

3. Enumerate at least 5 Evidences of Chemical Reaction

4. Fill out the table

Chemical Reaction Evidence of Chemical Reaction
Baking soda + vinegar

Copper wire with Zinc sulfate solution

NaCl + AgNO3

Lighting a Match

Shaking a hot/ice pack

Pb(NO3)2 + KI

Mg + HCl
http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/matter/faq/physical-chemical.shtml

https://www.learner.org/courses/essential/physicalsci/session4/closer1.html

Chemical Reactions. General Chemistry Lab. Florida State University.

https://www.chem.fsu.edu/chemlab/chm1020c/Lecture%205/02.php