Question

Explain the term reactant and product giving examples. Write answers to the question

Answer 1

In chemistry, a product is a substance that is formed as the result of a chemical reaction. In a reaction, starting materials called reactants interact with each other. After passing through a high energy transition state (achieving the activation energy for a reaction), the chemical bonds between the reactants are broken and rearranged to yield one or more products. 

When a chemical equation is written, reactants are listed on the left side, followed by the reaction arrow, and finally by-products. Products are always written on the right side of a reaction, even if it is reversible.

A + B → C + D

Where A and B are reactants and C and D are products.

In a chemical reaction, atoms are rearranged, but not created or destroyed. The number and type of atoms on the reactants side of the equation are the same as the number and type of atoms in the products.

The formation of products that are different from reactants is the difference between a chemical change and a physical change of matter. In a chemical change, the formulas of at least one of the reactants and products are different. For example, the physical change in which water melts into a liquid may be represented by the equation:

H2O(s) → H2O(l)

The chemical formulas of the reactants and products are the same.

Examples of Products

Silver chloride, AgCl (s), is the product of the reaction between the silver cation and chloride anion in aqueous solution:

Ag+ (aq) + Cl- (aq) → AgCl (s)

Nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas are the reactants that react to form ammonia as a product:

N 2 + 3H 2 → 2NH 3

The oxidation of propane yields the products carbon dioxide and water:

C3H8 + 5 O2 ® 3 CO2 + 4 H2O

Answer 2

Dear Student,

◆ Reactant -

• Substances that take part in chemical reaction are called reactants.

◆ Product -

• Substances that formed as a result of chemical reaction are called products.

# For example,

• When hydrogen combines with oxygen, water is formed.

2 H2 + O2 --> 2 H2O

• In this reaction, H2 and O2 are reactants while H2O is the product.

Thanks dear. Hope this helps you...