Predicting Products

Have you ever ignited a sparkler during the Fourth of July? These hand-held fireworks are a type of chemical reaction. The compositions of the chemicals that are mixed together produce a shower of sparks, rather than a giant explosion. By adding different metals to the sparkler, different color sparks are produced.

As you are studying chemistry, perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects is the prospect of what will happen when you mix certain substances. You are probably hoping that a huge, exciting explosion will result. Of course, any type of uncontrolled explosion in the laboratory setting is very bad. In some cases, not knowing the products of a chemical reaction present both health and safety concerns. However, because of chemistry, you can enjoy a little fire and sparks to celebrate certain events. In this topic, you will learn about predicting the products created in a reaction.

Essential Question

• How are the products of a chemical reaction accurately predicted?