Symbol Equation - GCSE Chemistry Definition

A symbol equation is a way to show a chemical reaction using chemical symbols and formulas instead of words. In a symbol equation, each reactant and product in the reaction is represented by its chemical formula. For example, the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to make water is written as 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O. This means that two molecules of hydrogen (H₂) react with one molecule of oxygen (O₂) to produce two molecules of water (H₂O). In a symbol equation, it's important to balance the equation, which means making sure there are the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. Balancing ensures that the equation follows the law of conservation of mass, which states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.