Chemical Reaction - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Reviewed by: Philippa Platt

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A chemical reaction is a process where substances, known as reactants, are transformed into different substances called products. During this change, the original bonds between atoms in the reactants are broken, and new bonds are formed to create the products. This process often results in observable phenomena such as colour changes, temperature shifts, gas production, or the formation of a precipitate.

Chemical reactions are fundamental to understanding how substances interact and change, and they follow the law of conservation of mass, which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This concept is crucial for students studying GCSE Chemistry, as it helps explain both everyday occurrences and more complex scientific principles.

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Philippa Platt

Reviewer: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

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