Chapter 9, Problem 60A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The significance of the arrows and coefficients in equations needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Chemical equation is the symbolic description of a chemical reaction in which products and reactants are indicating in terms of their chemical formula.

Answer to Problem 60A

In a chemical equation products and reactants are separated from each other by a single headed arrow. How many atoms or molecule of the substrate are involved in the reaction in indicates by the coefficient of the chemical equation.

Explanation of Solution

In a chemical equation, products and reactants are separated from each other by a single headed arrow. Products fall on right side of the arrow and reactants fall on left side of the arrow.

$\underset{\text{Reactants}}{\text{Fe}\left(s\right)+\text{S}\left(s\right)}\to \underset{\text{Products}}{\text{FeS}\left(s\right)}$

How many atoms or molecule of the substrate are involved in the reaction in indicates by the coefficient of the chemical equation or whole numbers in front of the chemical formula. Coefficient of the chemical equation can be used as the mole ratio of each substance of the reaction. $\underset{\text{Reactants}}{\text{2Al}\left(s\right)+3{\text{Br}}_{\text{2}}\left(g\right)}\to \underset{\text{Products}}{{\text{2AlBr}}_{\text{3}}\left(s\right)}$

Conclusion

A single headed arrow is used to separate products and reactants in a chemical equation. Coefficient of the chemical equation can be used as the mole ratio of each substance of the reaction.