Question

How does a chemical reaction work?

Answer 1

The process that leads to the chemical transformation of a set of chemical substances to another is known as a chemical reaction. During a chemical reaction, some bonds break and some new bonds are formed. A more stable set of chemical substances is produced by a chemical reaction.

Complete answer:
We know that the process that leads to the chemical transformation of a set of chemical substances to another is known as a chemical reaction. During a chemical reaction, some bonds break and some new bonds are formed. A more stable set of chemical substances is produced by a chemical reaction.
In many chemical reactions heat energy is released and a more stable set of chemical substances is produced. Such reactions that release heat are known as exothermic reactions. In some chemical reactions heat energy is absorbed. Such reactions that release heat are known as exothermic reactions.
The endothermic reactions are spontaneous i.e. occur on their own. This is because the reactions have resulted in an increase in entropy i.e. disorder. The reactions in which entropy increases are favoured.
All the chemical reactions result in an increase in Gibbs free energy.
When elements combine they result in formation of a more stable electronic configuration. For example consider the reaction of sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride. The reaction is as follows:
${\text{2Na}} + {\text{C}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}} \to {\text{2NaCl}}$
In the reaction, each sodium atom loses one electron and each chlorine atom gains one electron and gains a stable electronic configuration.
Thus, a chemical reaction works by achieving a more stable structure and a more stable electronic configuration.

Note: Remember that a chemical reaction works by achieving a more stable structure and a more stable electronic configuration. The substances involved in the chemical reaction are known as reactants or reagents and the substances formed in the chemical reaction are known as products.