Introduction<br />Chemical reactions are the foundation of chemistry, governing numerous natural and industrial phenomena that impact our daily lives. From fuel combustion to digestion, and from pharmaceutical production to water treatment, chemical reactions play a crucial role in various fields. This article aims to highlight the fundamentals of chemical reactions, the factors influencing them, their types, and some important applications in everyday life.<br />Fundamentals of Chemical Reactions<br />1. Definition of a Chemical Reaction<br />A chemical reaction is a process in which the atoms in reactant substances are rearranged to form new substances known as products. During this process, the physical and chemical properties of the original substances change due to the breaking and formation of chemical bonds.<br />2. Types of Chemical Reactions<br />Chemical reactions are classified into several types, including:<br />Combination (Synthesis) Reactions: Two or more elements or compounds combine to form a new compound, such as the reaction of iron with oxygen to form iron oxide.<br />Decomposition Reactions: A compound breaks down into simpler substances, such as the electrolysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen.<br />Single Replacement Reactions: One element replaces another in a compound, such as zinc reacting with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas and zinc chloride.<br />Double Replacement Reactions: Ions are exchanged between two compounds to form new compounds, such as the reaction between sodium chloride and silver nitrate to produce silver chloride and sodium nitrate.<br />Combustion Reactions: A substance reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light, as seen in the combustion of fuels to generate energy.<br />3. Factors Affecting the Rate of Chemical Reactions<br />The rate of a chemical reaction is influenced by several factors, including:<br />Concentration: Increasing the concentration of reactants raises the collision frequency between molecules, accelerating the reaction.<br />Temperature: Higher temperatures increase molecular energy, speeding up the reaction.<br />Pressure: In gaseous reactions, increasing pressure brings molecules closer together, enhancing the reaction rate.<br />Catalysts: Substances that speed up a reaction without being consumed, such as enzymes in biological processes.<br />Applications of Chemical Reactions in Daily Life<br />1. Medicine and Pharmaceuticals<br />The pharmaceutical industry relies on chemical reactions to synthesize therapeutic compounds, such as the production of penicillin and antibiotics. Chemical reactions also occur in the human body, such as metabolism, which converts food into energy.<br />2. Industry<br />Chemical reactions play a vital role in various industries, such as plastic manufacturing, steel production, and refining crude oil into fuel and other petroleum products.<br />3. Agriculture<br />Fertilizers and pesticides are produced through carefully controlled chemical reactions, helping to improve crop yields and protect plants from pests.<br />4. Water Treatment<br />Chemical reactions are used to purify water by removing impurities and contaminants, such as adding chlorine to kill bacteria and microbes.<br />5. Cooking and Fermentation<br />Cooking and fermentation processes rely on chemical reactions, such as yeast reacting with sugar to produce carbon dioxide, which causes dough to rise.<br />Conclusion<br />Chemical reactions play a fundamental role in various aspects of life, from biological processes in the human body to modern industrial advancements. Understanding the fundamentals of chemical reactions and the factors influencing them helps improve industrial processes, develop medicines, and solve environmental problems, making chemistry a vital science that contributes to human progress.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq.<br /><br />