A Scientific Article on the Role of Chemical Kinetics in Our Daily Lives By Instructor Dr. Aseel Amer Hadi

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Chemical kinetics is a branch of chemistry concerned with studying the rates of chemical reactions and the factors that influence them, such as temperature, concentration, catalysts, and the nature of reactants. Although often taught in laboratories and classrooms, its applications extend directly into our daily lives across numerous fields. In our everyday lives, chemical kinetics plays a significant role in food preparation. When cooking, the rate of chemical reactions increases due to elevated temperatures, resulting in food being cooked thoroughly and undergoing changes in flavor and color. For example, accelerating the cooking of meats or the baking of bread fundamentally depends on controlling temperature and reaction time. The importance of chemical kinetics is also evident in the human body, where the rates of biochemical reactions regulate processes such as digestion, respiration, and energy production. Enzymes act as biological catalysts, accelerating reactions within the body without being consumed, allowing these vital processes to occur rapidly at moderate temperatures. Chemical kinetics further contributes to pharmaceutical manufacturing, where it is used to study the absorption rate and interaction of drugs within the body. This helps determine appropriate dosages and ensures treatment efficacy. It is also applied to extend the shelf life of medications and prevent undesirable chemical interactions. In the field of cleaning and detergents, the effectiveness of laundry detergents and cleaning products relies on the reaction rates that remove dirt and stains. The use of hot water or increased detergent concentration accelerates these reactions. Moreover, the role of chemical kinetics in environmental protection cannot be overlooked, such as in wastewater treatment and pollution reduction, where the breakdown rates of pollutants and harmful substances are studied to ensure their effective and safe disposal. --- University of Al-Mustaqbal Ranks First Among Iraqi Private Universities