Chemicals are the basic building blocks of matter. They are substances with a distinct molecular composition that can undergo various reactions to form new substances. Chemicals can be found in all aspects of our daily lives, from the food we eat to the air we breathe.
Chemical reactions occur when substances interact to form new substances. During a chemical reaction, bonds between atoms are broken and new bonds are formed. Some common types of chemical reactions include synthesis, decomposition, combustion, and oxidation-reduction.
Chemicals have specific properties that determine how they will behave under certain conditions. These properties include flammability, reactivity, toxicity, and acidity. Understanding the properties of chemicals is important for handling them safely.