The spelling of the term "chemical equation" reflects its pronunciation. The first syllable "chem" is pronounced as /ˈkɛm/ which represents the sound "k" followed by a short "e" as in "hem". The second syllable "i" is pronounced as /ɪ/ representing the short "i" sound as in "tick". The third syllable "cal" is pronounced as /kəl/ which represents the "k" sound followed by the schwa sound, and the last syllable "e" is pronounced as /ˈkweɪ/ representing a combination of the "k" sound followed by a long "a" as in "way".
A chemical equation is a mathematical representation that demonstrates the chemical reaction between two or more substances. It is a concise way to portray the identities and quantities of reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction. Typically written in the form of symbols and formulas, a chemical equation provides a detailed description of the chemical change occurring during the reaction.
The reaction can be showcased using the general format: reactant(s) → product(s), where the arrow represents the conversion or transformation of the reactants into products. Each chemical species is denoted by its chemical formula and subscript numbers indicate the number of atoms or molecules involved. The reactants are placed on the left side of the equation, while the products are placed on the right.
Chemical equations serve several purposes. They offer an organized presentation of the reactants and products, enabling scientists to understand the relationship between the substances involved in a reaction. Chemical equations also facilitate the calculation of crucial information like stoichiometry, which determines the relative quantities of substances involved in a reaction. Furthermore, equations allow scientists to balance reactions, ensuring that the number of atoms on both sides of the equation is equal, conserving mass and charge.
In summary, a chemical equation is a symbolic representation that summarizes a chemical reaction, demonstrating the transformation of reactants into products. It plays a pivotal role in understanding the chemistry behind reactions, as well as enabling the calculation and balance of reactions.
A sentence in chemical language, a sequence of symbols and signs expressing a chemical action.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "chemical" originates from the Latin word "chemicus", which was borrowed from the Greek word "khēmikos", meaning "belonging to the art of transmuting metals". This was derived from "khēmeia", an ancient Greek term for the process of transmuting metals which came to be associated with alchemical practices.
The word "equation" stems from the Latin term "aequatio", which means "balancing" or "equalizing". It is derived from the verb "aequare", meaning "to make equal".
Therefore, the etymology of the term "chemical equation" reflects the combination of the word "chemical", referring to the scientific study of substances and their transformations, with "equation", denoting the concept of balancing and equalizing the components involved in a chemical reaction.