What is a chemical equation, and how do scientists use these
equations to represent chemical
reactions?

A chemical equation is the symbolic representation of a chemical reaction in the form of symbols and formulae, wherein the reactant entities are given on the left-hand side and the product entities on the right-hand side.

In mathematic equations we use an equal sign (=) for example 2 + 2 = 4, but in scientific chemical equations, we use an arrow (→), for example C + O2→ CO2. To the left of the arrow, we have the 'before' situation. This side represents the substances we have beforethe reaction takes place. They are called the reactants.

it forms an anion that has a larger radius. anions have a negative charge and are larger than the original atom.