You add a little of this and a little of that and mix it all up. You chop, toss, shake, stir and blend. Then you turn on the flame and see what happens. Sometimes you get a cake and other times you get an explosion. It's chemistry and yes, it's like cooking, but if you make a mistake in cooking you just get a spoiled dinner. Make a mistake in chemistry and you could end up dead. Follow the recipe carefully and don't forget to turn off the Bunsen burner.