Lesson 7 — Activity 1: Chemical Reactions Involving Oxygen
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Lesson 7 — Activity 1:
Chemical Reactions
Involving Oxygen
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Chemical changes occur when various elements or compounds come into contact with each other and react to create different substances. One compound that reacts with many other compounds is oxygen. In this activity, you will recognize and understand some common types of chemical reactions involving oxygen.
Chemical reactions involving oxygen are usually described as one of three types of reactions.
Combustion
Combustion is simply the process of burning something. Anytime we burn anything, combustion is taking place. A combustion reaction needs a flammable substance like wood or paper, something to ignite or spark the substance, and oxygen. Oxygen reacts with another substance, and in addition to forming a new substance, releases energy in the form of heat and light. One of the most obvious examples of a combustion reaction is fire: oxygen and some sort of fuel react, resulting in heat and creating water and carbon dioxide. You will learn more about combustion reactions in an upcoming lesson.
Cellular Respiration
A very important chemical reaction that takes place in our
bodies is cellular respiration. In this reaction, oxygen reacts with
the food our body digests to produce energy along with water and carbon
dioxide. Cellular respiration is critical for the survival of most
organisms.
Two
critical ingredients required for cellular respiration are glucose and
oxygen. Have you ever felt tired before lunch when you haven't eaten
since breakfast? That's because we get our energy from food. Most foods
we eat contain a sugar called glucose. Not only does glucose make foods
taste sweet, but it is also our cells' main source of energy. Just like
our digestive system breaks down the food we eat, cells must break down
glucose to use it. Cells use oxygen to break down glucose and release
its energy during cellular respiration.
Corrosion
You have probably heard of corrosion before. This is when oxygen reacts with metal to "eat away" at the surface of the metal. Corrosion is usually a very slow process. One corrosion reaction you are familiar with is rusting. This rust, or corrosion,
is a huge problem — from rusty tools to weakened aluminum frames to weakened bridges, etc. Through understanding the chemical reaction involved in corrosion, inventors have been able to develop ways to protect metal from rusting.
Cellular Respiration
A very important chemical reaction that takes place in our
bodies is cellular respiration. In this reaction, oxygen reacts with
the food our body digests to produce energy along with water and carbon
dioxide. Cellular respiration is critical for the survival of most
organisms.
Cellular Respiration
A very important chemical reaction that takes place in our bodies is cellular respiration. In this reaction, oxygen reacts with the food our body digests to produce energy along with water and carbon dioxide. Cellular respiration is critical for the survival of most organisms.
Two critical ingredients required for cellular respiration are glucose and oxygen. Have you ever felt tired before lunch when you haven't eaten since breakfast? That's because we get our energy from food. Most foods we eat contain a sugar called glucose. Not only does glucose make foods taste sweet, but it is also our cells' main source of energy. Just like our digestive system breaks down the food we eat, cells must break down glucose to use it. Cells use oxygen to break down glucose and release its energy during cellular respiration.
Corrosion
You have probably heard of corrosion before. This is when oxygen reacts with metal to "eat away" at the surface of the metal. Corrosion is usually a very slow process. One corrosion reaction you are familiar with is rusting. This rust, or corrosion,
is a huge problem — from rusty tools to weakened aluminum frames to weakened bridges, etc. Through understanding the chemical reaction involved in corrosion, inventors have been able to develop ways to protect metal from rusting.
How can we protect metal from corrosion?
Corrosion of metals is prevented or slowed by blocking the reaction with oxygen. This can be done by:
- using certain paints that protect the metal from corrosion
- using special plastic coatings that cover the metal to protect it
- coating the metal with oil-based sprays that slows the corrosion
These strategies are
all means of preventing or slowing the chemical reaction between the
metal and the corrosive forces in the environment. If you are in an
airplane 10,000 metres above Earth, you could likely appreciate the
value of these applications preventing the weakening of the structure of
the plane!
How can we protect metal from corrosion?
Corrosion of metals is prevented or slowed by blocking the reaction with oxygen. This can be done by:
- using certain paints that protect the metal from corrosion
- using special plastic coatings that cover the metal to protect it
- coating the metal with oil-based sprays that slows the corrosion
These strategies are
all means of preventing or slowing the chemical reaction between the
metal and the corrosive forces in the environment. If you are in an
airplane 10,000 metres above Earth, you could likely appreciate the
value of these applications preventing the weakening of the structure of
the plane!
These strategies are
all means of preventing or slowing the chemical reaction between the
metal and the corrosive forces in the environment. If you are in an
airplane 10,000 metres above Earth, you could likely appreciate the
value of these applications preventing the weakening of the structure of
the plane!
These strategies are all means of preventing or slowing the chemical reaction between the metal and the corrosive forces in the environment. If you are in an airplane 10,000 metres above Earth, you could likely appreciate the value of these applications preventing the weakening of the structure of the plane!
Click on the Play button below to watch a video that shows chemical reactions with oxygen.
Click on the Play button below to watch a video that shows chemical reactions with oxygen.
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