REACTANT Meaning and
Definition
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A reactant is a substance or compound that undergoes a chemical reaction, resulting in the formation of one or more new products. It is an essential component that participates actively in the reaction by interacting with other reactants or catalysts. Reactants are typically found on the left side of a chemical equation and are written before the arrow, indicating their involvement in the reaction process.
Reactants can exist in different states of matter, including solids, liquids, gases, and aqueous solutions. They possess a certain amount of energy known as activation energy, which must be reached in order for the reaction to occur. Reactants are responsible for providing this energy, either by themselves or through external means such as heating or catalysis.
The total number and types of reactants necessary for a reaction are defined by its balanced chemical equation. This equation illustrates the stoichiometric ratio between reactants and products, ensuring that neither reactants nor products are wasted or remain in excess. Reactants are consumed during the reaction, with their atoms rearranging to form new chemical bonds and create the desired products.
Understanding the reactants involved in a chemical reaction is crucial for predicting and controlling the outcome of the reaction. By studying the properties and behavior of reactants, scientists can manipulate reaction conditions, optimize reaction rates, and design new compounds with specific functionalities.
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Etymology of REACTANT
The word "reactant" comes from the Latin word "reactus", which is the past participle of "reh̄vĕh̄re" meaning "to react". It entered the English language in the early 20th century, derived from the present participle of the Latin verb "re-agerĕ" meaning "to drive back" or "to act in response".
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