What Are Some Fast Chemical Reactions in Everyday Life?

An example of a fast chemical reaction in everyday life is the process in which plants create their food, known as photosynthesis. Other examples include starting a fire, eating, baking and using batteries.

A chemical reaction is any process that causes a chemical substance to change into another chemical substance. There are several factors that lead to these reactions, such as the concentration of the chemical, how fast the reaction occurs and the amount of energy it takes to create a reaction. Some reactions happen without outside interference, and they are known as spontaneous reactions. One example is when something explodes and suddenly combusts.

Reactions vary in type. The chemical reaction that happens when a battery is used is one where chemical energy in the device is changed through a series of reactions into electrical energy.

Even the body performs several chemical reactions throughout the day. When a person exercises, the muscles create a reaction known as anaerobic respiration in order to create energy when the muscles are depleted of oxygen. Chemical reactions begin to take place the moment food is placed into the mouth. Saliva starts a chemical reaction in which it begins to break down food into a state that the body can digest.