The chemical conversion of elements and compounds known as reactants into other substances or products that involves the breaking and formation of chemical bonds. The chemical reaction can be exothermic with the liberation of heat, or endothermic in which heat is absorbed during the reaction. Other effects of a chemical reaction can include colour change, the formation of solids such as precipitation, the liberation of gas, light, and sound. All chemical reactions are theoretically reversible although some are deemed to be irreversible since the reverse reaction rate is negligibly small, such as the combustion of fuel in oxygen.