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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
