39. Chemical processes

Oxidation (burning) of fuels

CH4 + 2 (O2) à CO2 + 2 (H2O)

Photosynthesis (by plants)

Plants convert carbon dioxide and water to organic molecules.

CO2 + H2O + light energy → CH2O + O2

Cellular respiration (by animals)

Animals convert organic molecules to carbon dioxide and water.

CH2O +O2   _à CO2 + H2O + heat energy

Fermentation (by yeast and bacteria)

Fermentation converts sugar to acids, gases or alcohol in the lack of oxygen. Below is the formula for glucose converted to ethanol.

C₆H₁₂O₆ + yeast or bacteria → 2 C₂H₅OH + 2 CO₂

Destructive distillation

Destructive distillation of wood produces hundreds of compounds including tar, terpenes, turpentine and methanol together with a solid residue of charcoal. Below is the formula for methane converted to methanol.

2(CH4) + O2 à 2(CH3OH)

Acids, bases, salts

Acids and bases combine to form salts and water.

HCl + NaOH à NaCl + H2O