Examples of Chemical Reactions in Everyday Life

The following are examples of Chemical Reactions in Everyday Life:

1. Combustion : A Carbon containing material reacts with Oxygen in the air to produce water and Carbon Dioxide.
This reaction can be seen while burning a matchstick, candle, wood, paper etc.

2. Photosynthesis : Plants convert Oxygen and Water in the presence of sunlight to produce Glucose and Carbon Dioxide. This is the reaction plants prepare their food.

3. Respiration : Glucose combines with the oxygen present in our body and provides energy. This is known as respiration.

C ₆ H ₁₂ O ₆ (aq) + 6O ₂ (aq) → 6CO ₂ (aq) + 6H ₂ O(l) + energy 

                              (Glucose)

4. Digestion : Many chemical reactions are involved in the process of digestion.

For example; food reacts in the presence of amylase enzyme in the saliva to break down starch, Proteases in the stomach breakdown protein in the presence of HCl, Sodium bicarbonate released in the small intestine neutralises the strong acid, HCl and prevents the digestive tract from getting corroded.

When you heat sugar, it turns into brown coloured caramel in a process called caramelization

On baking a cake, it bubbles and rises due to production of Carbon Dioxide gas after reaction between baking powder or soda and liquid ingredients

However, not all processes in cooking are chemical reactions, for example - mixing sugar and flour or vinegar and oil

5. Cooking : Cooking involves many chemical reactions. A few can be;