Chemical Equation

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.

Related terms

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

Product: A substance obtained from another substance through chemical change.

Coefficient: A numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression (e.g., 4 in 4x y).