Everyday reactions!!!

 Life as we know it is based on chemistry, and it serves a very integral function. We ourselves are the result of the innumerable chemical reactions that serve as the basis for our being. These interactions between matter are essential to the world as we know it and play vital roles in the most commonplace things.

Technology is also important in our increasingly technology dependent society, and it to is powered by reaction. Our cars, cell phones, laptops, toys and flashlights are all powered by battery. Although there are many types, their energy has a chemical origin. Take the common AA battery, the type that never seem to have when I need it, and find randomly when I don't. These alkaline batteries generate power from an oxidation reduction reaction. There are two parts of the battery that I care about, the cathode and the anode.  In the anode, composed in this case by a zinc powder, electrons are produced through oxidation. The cathode (here, MnO2 and other assorted compounds) absorbs these electrons in the reduction part of this. As a result of these reactions, electricity is produced. Until, of course, the limiting reactant is all reacted, and your flashlight suddenly goes out, the batteries "dead".


2 MnO₂(s) + 2 NH₄Cl(s) + Zn(s)  Mn₂O₃(s) + H₂O(l) + Zn(NH₃)₂Cl₂(s)

Balanced chemical equation of the redox reaction in a battery! Thanks to http://library.thinkquest.org/C004970/redox/cells.htm 

I don't know why these products in particular are yielded, I don't know of any patterns in this reaction type. It is most likely a redox reaction because on one side, there is the polyatomic ion ammonia, and not the other. Also, Zn, (with a zero charge on the left) combines to form the compound on the right implying a now nonzero charge.

I care about this reaction, and other everyday reactions because I depend on them. I can't imagine life without batteries, or dish soap, or a non  patinated statue of liberty. These small reactions make a big difference, and other small reactions sum to make us possible! 

I am excited to learn more about redox reactions during the coming days!

from: http://www.greenphillyblog.com/philly-represent/philly-recycling/where-can-i-recycle-used-batteries/ 

Sources:

 http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/battery3.htm

http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/electricity/batteries/lithium.html

http://suite101.com/article/how-do-batteries-work-a20363