Chemical change refers to a process in which one or more substances are converted into new substances with different chemical compositions and properties. From the food we eat to the medicines we take, chemical changes play a crucial role in various aspects of our daily lives. These chemical changes happen when substances combine or break apart resulting in a new substance with different properties. These changes involve the rearrangement of atoms and the formation or breaking of chemical bonds.

In this article, we will learn about the chemical changes around us and their real-life applications.

Real-Life Applications of Chemical Changes

Let us understand the significance of chemical changes in our daily lives with the help of a few examples.

Cooking and baking

Cooking and baking can be seen as chemical reactions as both involve the transformation of ingredients through various chemical reactions. Few examples of them are:

• Baking bread: When you mix flour, water, yeast and other ingredients to make bread dough a chemical change called fermentation occurs. The yeast consumes the sugar in the dough and produces carbon dioxide gas as a byproduct. This gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise.

During baking, another chemical change happens called the Maillard reaction. It is a complex series of reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives bread its golden crust and aroma.

• Caramelization: When you heat sugar it undergoes a chemical change called caramelization. The sugar molecules breakdown and rearrange forming new compounds with a rich brown colour and a distinct caramel flavour.

Rusting of Iron

Rusting is a chemical process that happens when iron comes into contact with moisture and oxygen. When iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water it forms a reddish-brown compound called iron oxide commonly known as rust. This process is called oxidation and it can weaken the iron making it brittle and prone to further corrosion.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a process by which plants, algae and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into glucose(a type of sugar) and oxygen. It takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells specifically in the green pigment called chlorophyll.

During photosynthesis plants use the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose which serves as their foot source and release oxygen as a byproduct. This process is essential for sustaining life on Earth as it produces oxygen and provides energy for plants and other organisms.

Digestion

Our body performs chemical changes to break down the food we eat into simpler substances that can be absorbed and used. For example, proteins are broken down into amino acids, and carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. One important enzyme is a amylase which is found in saliva and helps to breakdown carbohydrates into smaller sugars. In stomach pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. There are several reactions which are taking place in the process of digestion.

Burning

When something burns it undergoes a process called combustion. Combustion is a chemical reaction between a fuel source and the oxygen, resulting in the release of heat, light, and often other byproducts. For example let us consider burning of wood, it is made up of a complex organic compounds primarily cellulose. When we ignite wood and provide it with oxygen the heat breaks down the cellulose molecules into smaller compounds such as carbon dioxide and water vapour. This release of energy in the form of heat and light is what we call as a fire. In this reaction the wood acts as a fuel source and oxygen from the air serves as oxidising agent.

Food Processing

Food processing refers to the transformation of a raw agricultural product into consumable food products using various chemical and biological processes. It undergoes various processes such as fermentation, pasteurisation, baking and preservation which are used to extend the shelf life and improve the flavour. Chemical changes that occur during heating include denaturation of proteins, caramelization of sugars and the reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars.

Water Treatment

Water treatment involves the purification of water to make it safe for drinking and industrial purposes. Chemical processes such as coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and ph adjustment are used to remove contaminants and pathogens from the water, thus making it safe to drink.

Conclusion

The real life applications of chemical reactions are vast and impactful across various sectors. From the production of materials in the industry to the development of very important medical drugs, chemical reactions play a crucial role in shaping our world. These reactions also have a significant impact on our everyday life influencing the food we eat, the products we use and the energy sources we depend on.

Read More,

• Chemical Changes
• Difference Between Physical And Chemical Change
• Examples of Chemical Change

FAQs on Real Life Application of Chemical Changes

Why can’t we get the original substances back in a chemical change?

In a chemical change, the original substances (reactants) are changed into new substances (products) with different chemical properties. This change is usually irreversible.

Are all chemical changes accompanied by a color change or temperature change?

Not all chemical changes involve a color change or temperature change. However, these are common signs of a chemical reaction.

Can we slow down or prevent chemical changes like rusting?

Yes, chemical changes like rusting can be slowed down or prevented by reducing the exposure of the iron to oxygen and water.

Why is photosynthesis important for life on Earth?

Photosynthesis is crucial as it produces oxygen, which is necessary for most organisms to survive. It also helps in reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

What happens to the food we eat in our bodies?

The food we eat undergoes chemical changes during digestion, breaking down complex food molecules into simpler ones that our bodies can absorb and use for energy, growth, and cell repair.