Word Equation - GCSE Chemistry Definition

A word equation in chemistry is a way to describe a chemical reaction using the names of the substances involved, instead of their chemical symbols. It shows what happens in a reaction in a simple format that is easy to understand. For example, if we mix hydrogen and oxygen to make water, the word equation would be: hydrogen + oxygen → water. Here, the substances you start with, called reactants, are written on the left, and the new substance made, called the product, is on the right. This helps you understand what substances change during the reaction and what new substances are formed.