Introduction to Word Equations

Introduction to Word Equations

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will test your understanding of word equations, reactants, and products.

In chemistry, a word equation is a way to describe a chemical reaction using the names of the substances involved. The substances you start with are called **reactants**, and the new substances formed are called **products**. An arrow (→) separates the reactants from the products, and it means 'produces' or 'yields'.

Example: Hydrogen + Oxygen → Water

1. In a word equation, the substances you start with are called  .

2. The new substances formed in a chemical reaction are called  .

3. The arrow in a word equation means ' ' or 'yields'.

4. When wood burns, it combines with oxygen to produce ash and carbon dioxide. In this reaction, wood and oxygen are the  .

5. Which of the following is an example of a reactant?

6. In the word equation: Iron + Oxygen → Iron Oxide, what is the product?

7. Write a word equation for the reaction where hydrogen and chlorine combine to form hydrogen chloride.

8. Describe in your own words what a 'chemical reaction' means when you see a word equation.

9. Reactants are always found on the right side of the arrow in a word equation.

10. The arrow in a word equation indicates that new substances are being formed.