Creating Something New
Creating something new explains to Grade 5 science students how chemical reactions can remove invisible pollutants from water. When two or more substances combine in a chemical reaction, they rearrange their atoms to form entirely new substances with different properties. Engineers use this process to clean wastewater: a pollutant reacts with a cleaning agent, producing a new substance that can be removed. This concept from Amplify Science (California) Grade 5, Chapter 5, shows how chemistry provides real engineering solutions for water purification.
Key Concepts
How do we remove invisible pollutants from water? We can use a chemical reaction .
A chemical reaction happens when two or more substances mix and change into something entirely new. The original ingredients rearrange their atoms to form a new substance . This new material has a completely different identity from the starting materials.
Common Questions
What is a chemical reaction?
A chemical reaction occurs when two or more substances mix and their atoms rearrange to form new substances with completely different properties than the starting materials.
How are chemical reactions used to clean water?
A pollutant in water is reacted with a cleaner. The reaction forms a new substance with different properties — for example, turning a dissolved poison into a solid powder that can be filtered out.
What is the difference between a physical change and a chemical reaction?
In a physical change (like dissolving), the identity of the substance does not change. In a chemical reaction, atoms rearrange to form entirely new substances with new properties.
Why can't we just filter dirty water to remove pollutants?
Some pollutants are dissolved at the molecular level and cannot be filtered. A chemical reaction changes their identity and properties, making them possible to separate from the water.
What are 'new substances' formed in a chemical reaction?
New substances have different molecular structures and properties than the reactants. They may be a different state of matter, color, or toxicity than the original ingredients.
What grade and chapter covers chemical reactions in water purification?
Grade 5, Chapter 5 of Amplify Science (California): How can East Ferris turn wastewater into clean freshwater?