Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
chemical-equation
noun
/ˈkɛməkəl ɪˈkwāzhən/
Definition
A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction. It shows the reactants (starting materials) transformed into products (substances formed) through the reaction.
Examples
- In a chemical equation, such as H2 + O2 → H2O, hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen gas to form water.
- The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of methane is CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O.
Meaning
Chemical equations provide a concise way to convey the changes that occur during a chemical reaction, allowing chemists to understand and communicate the details of the reaction.
Synonyms
- reaction equation
- chemical representation
