Which of the following describes a chemical reaction?
A = pure substances reacting to form non-pure substances
B = pure substances on the left side of a chemical equation
C = pure substances reacting to form different pure substances
D = pure substances on the right side of a chemical equation
C = pure substances reacting to form different pure substances
Use the equation to answer the question.
hydrogen + oxygen = water
Which are the reactants in this equation?
A = hydrogen and oxygen
B = hydrogen and oxygen and water
C = oxygen and water
D = water only
A = hydrogen and oxygen
Which is one difference between reactants and products?
A = products exist in different states of matter from the reactants
B = products are pure substances while reactants are not
C = products are on the left side of a chemical equation; reactants are on the right
D = products have different properties than reactants
A = products exist in different states of matter from the reactants
The correct answer is C = pure substances reacting to form different pure substances. In a chemical reaction, two or more reactants combine to form new substances known as products. These products may have different chemical properties and compositions from the reactants.
The correct answer is option C: Pure substances reacting to form different pure substances.
To understand why option C describes a chemical reaction, let's break down the options and analyze them:
Option A states that pure substances are reacting to form non-pure substances. This is incorrect because a chemical reaction involves the rearrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules, resulting in the formation of new substances. The substances formed can be pure or impure, depending on the reaction conditions. However, the initial substances involved in the reaction are typically pure.
Option B suggests that pure substances are found on the left side of a chemical equation. While it is true that the reactants are often listed on the left side of a chemical equation, not all pure substances are written as reactants. The products, which are formed as a result of the reaction, may also be pure substances.
Option D asserts that pure substances are present on the right side of a chemical equation. This, again, is not an accurate description. While the products can indeed be pure substances, it is important to recognize that pure substances can exist on both sides of a chemical equation, as reactants and products.
Therefore, option C is the most appropriate description of a chemical reaction. It signifies that pure substances react (combine or break apart) to form different pure substances.