Chapter 7, Problem 5A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation :

The general name of the substances before and after a chemical reaction must be written.

Concept Introduction :

A chemical equation is the representation of a chemical change with the formula of all the compounds.

Answer to Problem 5A

Substances present before a chemical reaction takes place are called reactants and substances present after the reaction takes place are called products.

Explanation of Solution

Let’s consider a hypothetical chemical reaction in which A and B react to produce C and D as shown below.

  $\text{A+B}\to \text{C+D}\text{.}$

In this reaction, A and B were present before the reaction takes place. Thus A and B are called reactant or starting materials.

C and D are obtained after the reaction takes place. Thus, C and D are called products.

Conclusion

Substances before reaction are called reactants and substances obtained after the reaction is called products.