The first step we are going to take, before entering fully into the definition of the term chemical phenomenon, is to know the etymological origin of the two words that give it shape:
-Phenomenon, first of all, we have to explain that it derives from Greek. Exactly what it does from the word “phaenomenon”.
-Chemical, secondly, we can establish that it comes from the Arabic “kimiyá”, which means “philosopher's stone”.
The term phenomenon has several meanings: in this case we are interested in its meaning as a perceptible manifestation or that occurs in the consciousness of a person. The chemical , for its part, is that linked to the composition of bodies.
A process that produces the transformation of one or more substances is called a chemical phenomenon . In this framework, the original substances (the reactants ) undergo an alteration of the structure and bonds of their molecules and become other substances (the products ).
In this type of thermodynamic processes, the products change according to the conditions , although certain magnitudes remain constant in any chemical phenomenon (such as the total mass or electric charge).
These chemical phenomena or chemical reactions constitute events that can be observed and measured. The substances involved, when combined with each other, register an observable and measurable alteration of their chemical composition. These phenomena can be represented symbolically through chemical equations.
Another peculiarity of chemical phenomena is that the original substances are not conserved, since their chemical structure changes irreversibly. That is why products have different properties than reactants.
There are many examples of chemical phenomena that can be established to understand exactly what they are. This includes everything from the combustion of the gas used at home to prepare food to a TNT explosion, including the degradation of organic waste found in the garbage, a wine that is transformed into vinegar, ice that melts when it comes into contact with a hot substance or even the birth of a rainbow after rain.
When talking about chemical phenomena, we must take into consideration the existence of properties that play a fundamental role in them. This would be the case, for example, of the so-called chemical properties, which determine the type of phenomenon of that kind that will occur.
However, we cannot forget about the functional ones, which are those that have some materials and that have a specific function. Specifically, among these we can emphasize those that respond to the name of salinity, acidity or even basicity.
The reactions that constitute chemical phenomena are varied: they can be decomposition reactions, synthesis reactions, substitution reactions, etc. The speed with which the reaction occurs also varies, being related to temperature, pressure, concentration and other factors.
The rusting of an iron nail found outdoors is an example of a chemical phenomenon . In this case, a reduction-oxidation reaction (or redox reaction) is carried out, with one or more electrons transferred between the reactants.