Oxidation-Reduction Reactions: An oxidation-reduction reaction is a type of chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two species. The two species that exchange electrons in a redox reaction are given names. The molecule that accepts the electrons is called the oxidizing agent, while the species that donates the electrons is called the reducing agent. Redox reactions are important because they are our principal sources of energy on this planet. When we take a sip out of our favorite can of soda, we are taking in sugar molecules, which we convert to glucose. Then, in a series of reactions, we burn the glucose molecules and transfer the electrons into oxygen. After many complicated reactions, the original soda pop is turned into water. Without these complicated reactions, there would be no way for us to survive. Acid-Base Reactions: Acids are chemical compounds that are corrosive to metals and have a sour taste. Bases are chemical compounds that, in solution, are soapy to the touch and have a neutral flavor. When an acid and a base are placed together in a solution, they react to neutralized their acid-base properties, producing a salt. Acids and bases play a large role in industrial chemistry and in everyday life. Our bodily functions, ranging from the microscopic transport of ions across nerve cells, to the digestion of food in the stomach, are all compiled by the principals of acid-base chemistry.
Precipitation Reactions: A precipitation reaction refers to the formation of an insoluble salt when two solutions containing soluble salts combine. That insoluble salt that forms out of the solution, is the precipitate. As with any other chemical reaction, precipitation reactions happen all around us. Sometimes the pipes in our homes get clogged because of the precipitates of magnesium and calcium oxide that have deposited themselves there inside the pipes. Another good example of a precipitate is a kidney stone. Those kidney stones consist of hard calcium ions built up right inside our kidneys.
Chemistry is indescribable and happens in a million different ways throughout our daily lives. We create chemical reactions by starting our cars, lighting a match, or even when baking a cake. These are some of the very few chemical reactions we might see in a day. In the video below, there are a total of 8 different chemical reactions. Some are examples of the reactions listed above. As you watch this video, try to think of which type these reactions fall into.