Describe. What happens to the atoms in the reactants during a chemical reaction?

During a chemical reaction, the atoms in the reactants undergo a process of rearrangement. Here's a breakdown of what happens:

1. Breaking Bonds: The chemical bonds between atoms in the reactants are broken. This requires energy, which is often supplied in the form of heat or light.

2. Rearrangement of Atoms: Once the bonds are broken, the atoms are free to move and rearrange themselves. This rearrangement is guided by the principles of chemical bonding and the tendency of atoms to achieve a more stable electron configuration.

3. Formation of New Bonds: New chemical bonds are formed between the rearranged atoms, resulting in the creation of new substances known as products. This process often releases energy.

4. Conservation of Mass: Throughout the reaction, the total number of each type of atom remains constant, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. This means that the atoms are neither created nor destroyed; they are simply reorganized.

In summary, during a chemical reaction, atoms in the reactants are rearranged to form new products, involving the breaking and forming of chemical bonds while conserving the total number of atoms.