Chemistry Unit Summative: Real-Life Reactions
Humans make use of a variety of chemical reactions to produce what we need or want. Many of
these reactions have an impact on the environment around us. Some of these effects are useful
and some are detrimental. In this assignment, you will research the chemical reactions in a
process and assess its impacts on the environment. You will also research and discuss the
chemical reactions that are used to minimize these harmful effects.
In your assignment, you must address the following expectations:
Outline a chemical reaction
 Identify and describe the reactions used in the process. Be sure to use a chemical reaction you understand and
recognize.
 What are the reactants and products?
 Include the word, skeleton and balanced chemical equations for your reaction.
 Classify the reaction(s), i.e. single, double, synthesis, decomposition, etc.
 Include some history about the reaction and product.
 Why are these reactions useful/important? What industry is this reaction used
in?
Environmental Impacts
 Describe how your reaction can affect the biotic (aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems) and abiotic factors (i.e. does it affect buildings, etc.).
 What are the negative impacts on the environment? Explain. Are there any
wastes produced in this reaction that can harm the environment? How are they dealt with?
 If there are no negative impacts, discuss how this process is good for the environment.
Reducing Impacts
 Describe what reactions are used to “correct” or minimize the negative impacts.
 If there are no negative impacts, explain how scientists are continually improving the reaction.
Product
 You must present your findings on a 1-page handout. The project must be written in your own words.
 The format is up to you (i.e. Brochure, poster, essay, etc.)
 Attach a works cited, formatted using MLA. Put items in alphabetical order. Use www.easybib.com to help.
You may select from the following list. Sign up with your teacher. (approval for another topic is needed from Mr.
Taggart)
Reactions involving the burning of hydrocarbons
 Fireworks
 Gasoline
 Explosives (TNT, C4, etc.)
 Diesel
 Production of steel
 Alternative Fuels (biofuels, biodiesel,)
 Production of aluminum
 Propane
 Production of alloys
 Butane
 Isolation of uranium for fuel
 Natural gas (CNG)
 Manufacturing of glass
Reactions used to make:
 Medicines (aspirin, Tylenol, etc.)
 Ammonium nitrate (fertilizer)
 pesticides
 gold mining
 silver mining
Reactions involved with:
 Acidic lake neutralization
 Chlorination of drinking water
 Fluoridation of drinking water
 Ozonation of drinking water
 Food and candy production
Chemical Reaction Information Summary Sheet
Information Needed

Identify and describe the
reactions used in the process. Be
sure to use a chemical reaction
you understand and recognize.

What are the reactants and
products?

Include the word, skeleton and
balanced chemical equations for
your reaction.

Classify the reaction(s), i.e.
single, double, synthesis,
decomposition, etc.

Include some history about the
reaction and product.

Why are these reactions
useful/important? What industry
is this reaction used in?

Describe how your reaction can
affect the biotic and abiotic
factors of an ecosystem.
What are the negative impacts
on the environment
If there are no negative impacts,
discuss how this process is good
for the environment. Explain.




Describe what reactions are used
to “correct” or minimize the
negative impacts.
If there are no negative impacts,
explain how scientists are
continually improving their
techniques.
Information Found
Source of Information
(Bibliography Source)