Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms. There are two main types of chemical changes - synthesis reactions which combine simpler substances into more complex ones, and decomposition reactions which break down a substance into simpler parts. Chemical equations are used to represent chemical reactions, and must obey the law of conservation of mass by being balanced. Reactions can release or absorb energy depending on whether the bonds in the products are stronger or weaker than the bonds in the reactants. Living things and industry rely on exothermic and endothermic chemical processes.