Chemical symbol equations
What are chemical symbol equations? Symbol equations are a quick way of representing chemical reactions. They show us the atoms and bonds of each substance and how they change in the reaction. Symbol equations always take the format, reactants → products. A plus sign (+) is used to separate two or more reactants or products.
Writing symbol equations Example Compare this to the word equation:
Symbol equations use the symbols and formulae of the substances that are involved in chemical reactions. They show us what substances react and what substances are formed.
The reactants are the substances that react together. They are written first in a symbol equation, using their symbols or formulae. A plus sign (+) is used to separate two or more reactants.
An arrow (→) is used after the reactants to show that a chemical reaction has occurred.
The products are the substances that are formed in the reaction. They are written after the arrow, using their symbols or formulae. A plus sign (+) is used to separate two or more products.
When carbon (C) is burned, the carbon reacts with oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced.
The symbol equation for this reaction is:
C + O2 → CO2
Carbon + oxygen → carbon dioxide
Summary: