A change written in words
A chemical change can be written as one line of words. This line is a word equation.
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The idea
Magnesium oxide is magnesium joined with oxygen.
Step 1 of 4
- The starting substances go on one side: magnesium and oxygen.
- The arrow means "makes".
- What the change makes goes on the other side.
- Magnesium oxide is a new substance.
| Change | Word equation |
|---|---|
| Burning magnesium | magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide + heat + light |
| Rusting | iron + oxygen + water → rust |
| Lime water and carbon dioxide | lime water + carbon dioxide → calcium carbonate + water |
| Vinegar and baking soda | vinegar + baking soda → carbon dioxide + water + sodium acetate |
In a word equation, the starting substances are on the left. The new substances are on the right.
Heat and light are given out. They are not substances.
Rust is an iron oxide. It is a new, brown substance.