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20 Examples of Chemical Change

August 17, 2023
written by Sidra Batool

A chemical change is a change in which the composition of a substance is altered. This means that the atoms in the substance are rearranged to form new substances.

Examples of Chemical Change

Here are a few Examples of Chemical Change:

1.    Wood Rot

Wood rot is a chemical phenomenon because it involves the breakdown of complex organic molecules in wood through the action of fungi, leading to changes in the wood’s composition and structure over time.

2.    Burning Paper

Burning paper is a chemical phenomenon as it involves the combustion of cellulose fibers in paper, combining with oxygen to release heat, light, water vapor, and carbon dioxide.

3.    Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria

Antibiotic resistance is a chemical phenomenon driven by genetic changes in bacteria that allow them to counteract the effects of antibiotics, which is a result of chemical interactions between antibiotics and bacterial cells.

4.    Souring of Milk

The souring of milk is a chemical phenomenon caused by the activity of bacteria that convert lactose into lactic acid, altering the pH and taste of the milk.

5.    Blood Clotting

Blood clotting is a chemical phenomenon where a series of chemical reactions result in the formation of a blood clot, involving the interaction of clotting factors, enzymes, and proteins.

6.    Disinfection with Alcohol

Disinfection with alcohol is a chemical phenomenon where the alcohol disrupts the structure of microorganisms’ cell membranes and proteins through chemical reactions, rendering them inactive.

7.    Fruit Salt for Heartburn

Using fruit salt for heartburn is a chemical phenomenon as the alkaline compound in fruit salt reacts with stomach acid (a chemical process) to neutralize excess acid and alleviate discomfort.

8.    Burning a Candle  

Burning a candle is a chemical phenomenon involving the combustion of wax molecules, which react with oxygen in the air to produce heat, light, water vapor, and carbon dioxide.

9.    Insecticides and Insects

The use of insecticides to kill insects is a chemical phenomenon as the chemicals disrupt the nervous systems of insects, affecting their neurotransmitters and leading to their death.

10. Muscle Fatigue

Muscle fatigue after intense exercise is a chemical phenomenon caused by the buildup of lactic acid, a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, leading to chemical changes in muscle cells.

11. Cider Production

Cider production is a chemical phenomenon driven by the fermentation of sugars in apple juice by yeast, converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide through chemical reactions.

12. Rusting of a Fence

The rusting of a fence is a chemical phenomenon involving the reaction of iron with oxygen and water vapor in the air, leading to the formation of iron oxide through chemical processes.

13. Composting 

Composting is a chemical phenomenon involving the breakdown of organic materials by microbes, leading to chemical transformations that produce nutrient-rich humus.

14. Ensilage

Ensilage is a chemical phenomenon where forage crops undergo fermentation, leading to the production of silage as microbes break down carbohydrates and produce organic acids.

15. Bloated Cans

The bloating of canned foods is a chemical phenomenon caused by the growth of gas-producing microorganisms, leading to chemical reactions that generate gases within the cans.

16. Rotten Egg Odor

The rotten egg odor is a chemical phenomenon arising from the release of hydrogen sulfide gas during the decomposition of organic matter, leading to distinct chemical interactions.

17. Bioethanol from Molasses

Obtaining bioethanol from molasses is a chemical phenomenon as fermentation of sugars in molasses by yeast results in the chemical conversion of sugars into alcohol.

18. Yogurt Formation

Yogurt formation is a chemical phenomenon where bacteria ferment lactose in milk to produce lactic acid, changing the chemical composition, taste, and texture of the milk.

19. Biodiesel from Palm Oil

Producing biodiesel from palm oil is a chemical phenomenon where palm oil undergoes chemical reactions with alcohol to produce biodiesel through trans esterification.

20. Roquefort Cheese Production

The production of Roquefort cheese is a chemical phenomenon that involves the growth of specific molds on curdled milk. It leads to chemical changes that contribute to the cheese’s unique flavor and texture.

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