Chemical Equation

The formation of water from the reaction of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is shown in the following chemical reaction:

H₂ + O₂ à H₂O

In the above chemical equation, H₂ + O₂ are the “reactants” and H₂O is the “product.”

In order to satisfy the “law of conservation of mass” chemical equations must be balanced. The balanced chemical equation becomes:

2H₂ + 1O₂ à 2H₂O

Standard convention omits the number “1” in any balanced equation, so the final balanced chemical equation becomes:

2H₂ + O₂ à 2H₂O

Note that there are 4 H atoms in both the left side and right side of the equation; and there are 2 O atoms in both the left side and right side of the equation— the chemical equation is therefore “balanced.”

Exercise:

1. Balance the following chemical reaction, (it may take a few trial-and-error iterations):

CO₂ + H₂O à C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ 

2. After balancing the above chemical equation, identify the different reactants and the different products.

3. What particular process is represented by the chemical equation?