Identify reactants and products in a chemical word equation.

Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.

Problem

Identify reactants and products in a chemical word equation.

Answer

a) Reactants b) Products

Step-by-step solution

  1. Understand Chemical Equations: A chemical equation represents a chemical reaction. It shows the substances that react and the substances that are formed. The general format is: Reactants $\rightarrow$ Products.
  1. Identify Reactants: In the given word equation, 'glucose + oxygen $\rightarrow$ carbon dioxide + water', the substances on the left side of the arrow are the reactants. These are the substances that are consumed or change during the reaction.
  1. Answer Part a): Therefore, glucose and oxygen are the reactants.
  1. Identify Products: The substances on the right side of the arrow are the products. These are the new substances formed as a result of the reaction.
  1. Answer Part b): Therefore, carbon dioxide and water are the products.