What Is a Chemical Reaction? (Part 2)

What You'll Learn

In a chemical reaction, substances called reactants are transformed into new substances called products. The total mass stays the same because atoms are rearranged, not created or destroyed.

Key Words

conservation of mass
solubility

Materials Needed

cups
spoons
food coloring
plastic bottles
balloons

Safety First

Protect your work surface with newspaper or plastic.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read and learn: In a chemical reaction, substances called reactants are transformed into new substances called products. The total mass stays the same because atoms are rearranged, not created or destroyed.

Step 2 — Do

Repeat the experiment two more times for accuracy.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is a mixture?