Product
Definition and meaning of Product in chemistry.
A product is a substance that is formed as the direct result of a chemical reaction. During a reaction, starting materials called reactants are transformed into products after successfully passing through a high energy transition state.
In more detail
In a standard chemical equation, products are typically written on the right side of the reaction yield arrow. The chemical and physical properties of products are generally completely different from the properties of the reactants that chemically combined to form them. The total mass of the products will always equal the total mass of the reactants in a closed system, which is in strict accordance with the law of conservation of mass. Chemical reactions can produce one or more distinct products depending on the specific nature of the reaction and the stoichiometry involved.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Formation | Formed from the chemical transformation of reactants |
| Location in Equation | Conventionally written on the right side of the yield arrow |
In the complete combustion of methane gas (CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) are the two newly formed products.
Frequently asked questions
Can a product of a chemical reaction also act as a reactant?
Yes, in reversible reactions, the newly formed products can successfully react with one another to dynamically reform the original reactants.