Description of the Experience
The reaction rate varies. In general it can be said that the reaction of organic compounds is slower and reactions of inorganic compounds is faster. According to my view, students need to be told that the chemical reaction do not take place only in laboratories and scientific institutions, but especially in our bodies, all around us , and even during the preparation of desserts (that is their course of study) and in the kitchen generally, while washing, cleaning, and using of various chemical products.
Organism aging is a complex process and the important role played in it is played especially by the chemical reactions. The metabolism slows down even though people try to slow down this process. This is a base of a substantial part of the cosmetic industry. Here tends to spark a big debate about cosmetics, which ends by saying that aging can be influenced, but it can not be stopped. The speed of reaction is influenced by several factors: temperature, pressure, concentration of reactive particles, the surface of the reacting particles, the presence of a catalyst.
With increasing temperature usually increases also the speed of chemical reaction even though there are exceptions. These facts can be established only experimentally.
Some chemical reactions take place only at a particular pressure, for example, merging of nitrogen and hydrogen to form ammonia, which is an important ingredient in the chemical industry. The greater concentration of the substances which react, the greater the probability of precipitation and thus increases also the speed of chemical reactions.
Catalysts are substances that affect the course of a chemical reaction, but not take part in it. Neither they change themselves during the reactions. Here it is necessary to mention the reaction thanks to which we exist - photosynthesis, which is a reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The end result is a carbohydrate and oxygen, which are necessary for us. Here the catalysts are the sunlight and chlorophyll green dye.
It is interesting to mention corrosion of metals, which takes place in the long term, if we let the iron subject to external conditions meaning oxygen and water vapor. Finally, it will crumble to a red powder. This reaction can be slowed down by different coatings, color. Here it is also interesting to note that there are the so called precious metals - gold, silver and platinum that do not change. Especially gold is permanently present in the original condition, time wise for the length of whole centuries while it is enough to remove just the surface dirt.
A special group consists of biocatalysts that influence the chemical reactions in the human body. These are vitamins, enzymes and hormones.
Although initially the topic appears for students purely theoretical, it can be changed and associated with everyday life. Also students complement the theme by their own experience and knowledge.
It should also be noted that some chemical reactions can take place immediately, they may cause an explosion, for example in a reaction of sodium with water. This experiment can be done only by the teacher away from students and along with protective equipment.
My experience was positive.
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