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In a chemical equation, where are the formulas of the reactants placed?
AOn the left side of the equation
BOn the right side of the equation
CJust above the reaction arrow
DJust below the reaction arrow
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. On the left side of the equation
1. Reactants are the substances that are used up as the reaction proceeds.
2. Their formulas are written on the left side of the equation, before the arrow.
3. The arrow points from reactants to products, so the right side is reserved for what forms.
4. Nothing is written above or below the arrow except special conditions such as heating.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 4 "Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions", section 4.1 Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations_
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