Chemical Equations

Definition

A chemical equation is a written representation of the process that occurs in a chemical reaction. It shows the reactants (substances that are combined and changed during the reaction) on one side, and the products (the substances that are produced by the reaction) on the other.

Analogy

Think of a chemical equation like a recipe for baking cookies. The ingredients you start with (flour, sugar, eggs etc.) are like your reactants. The instructions for mixing and baking represent the process of reaction. And finally, your finished cookies are like your products.

Related terms

Reactant: A substance that takes part in and undergoes change during a reaction.

Product: The substances which are formed from a chemical reaction.

Coefficient: A number placed in front of terms in a chemical equation to indicate their relative amounts.