A chemical reaction is any process that changes one substance into another and it involves two basic components of the Universe: energy and matter. This book, part of a new series that introduces the essentials of chemistry, describes the processes of chemical reactions, how energy and heat are involved, and what factors may affect the speed of reaction. Numerous diagrams, detailed features, and key ôScience Wordsö enhance understanding of the basic science principles, and ôTry Thisö panels outline simple experiments that can be undertaken as a first step to further practical investigations. Book jacket.