5.1.1

Forming Equations

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Chemical Equations

A chemical equation shows what happens in a chemical reaction using symbols or words. The reactants (the chemicals that are reacting) are on the left-hand side, and the products (the chemicals that are forming) are on the right-hand side.

Illustrative background for Word equationsIllustrative background for Word equations ?? "content

Word equations

  • The word equation for the creation of sodium oxide is:
    • sodium + oxygen → sodium oxide
Illustrative background for Symbol equationsIllustrative background for Symbol equations ?? "content

Symbol equations

  • Symbol equations must be 'balanced' (have the same number of atoms of each element on each side of the equation). This is because atoms aren't created or destroyed during chemical reactions.
  • The balanced symbol equation for the creation of sodium oxide is:
                      4Na + O2 → 2Na2O

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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