Question

Fill in the blanks by selecting correct word/term given in the bracket.

A shorthand notation of a chemical reaction is called a chemical ___. (reaction/symbol/ equation)

Answer 1

Step 1: Chemical reactions

A process in which a substance or substances (reactants) are converted into new substances (Products) is called a chemical reaction. There are many types of reactions based on the nature of products and reactants and the changes taking place in the reactants.

A chemical reaction can be expressed using a chemical equation. Chemical reactions can occur between elements, compounds, or ions. A chemical equation involves the use of chemical symbols, formulas, and coefficients for the reactants and products. Therefore, it is a shorthand way of expressing a chemical reaction used by chemists.

Step 2: Example of a chemical reaction

Hydrogen $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\right)$ gas and oxygen $\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ gas react to form water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction can be given as:

$2{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\to 2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$

Thus, the chemical equation uses symbols for the reactants and products. The state of the species is also mentioned in a chemical reaction, and the stoichiometric coefficients give the relative amount of the reactants and products.

Therefore, a shorthand notation of a chemical reaction is called a chemical equation.