This document provides an introduction to chemical reactions. It explains that chemical reactions are represented by chemical equations that show the same number of atoms of each element on both sides. Some examples of chemical reactions mentioned include cooking, respiration, hair dye, and auto fuel. The document also discusses how chemists observe reactions and represent them with chemical equations. It provides an example chemical equation for making NaCl. Additionally, it explains the differences between chemical and numerical equations and the symbols used in chemical equations like state symbols. Finally, it discusses how to balance chemical equations by making sure the same number of atoms of each element are on both sides of the equation.