
Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction
The Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction is a fascinating chemical process that demonstrates oscillating chemical reactions. In this reaction, colorful solutions change hue over time, oscillating between red and blue. This happens due to the interaction of chemicals like bromate ions, malonic acid, and a metal catalyst, often cerium. As the reaction progresses, the concentration of reactants changes in a way that leads to periodic fluctuations, creating an eye-catching display. The BZ reaction is significant in studying nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory, showing how simple rules can lead to complex behaviors in chemical systems.