Substitution Reaction

Imagine you're at a crowded party and you're trying to switch dance partners because the music has changed and you'd like to dance with someone who matches the new rhythm. This scenario is similar to a substitution reaction in chemistry where one group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another to better suit the chemical environment. Just as you replace your dance partner to better enjoy the music, in a substitution reaction, one atom or group of atoms is swapped out for another to make the molecule more compatible with its surroundings or reactive needs.