When we talk about chemical reactions, it's really important to know the difference between reactants and products.

What are Reactants and Products?

• Reactants are the starting materials that change during the reaction.
• Products are the new substances that are created by the reaction.

Why is this distinction important?

1. Understanding Chemical Changes:

   • When we know what the reactants are, we can guess how they will react and what products will be formed.
   • For example, when hydrogen gas ($H_2$) combines with oxygen gas ($O_2$), they form water ($H_2O$). Knowing the reactants helps us understand what happens in this burning process.

2. Balancing Reactions:

   • Knowing the reactants and products is key for balancing chemical equations.
   • Take this equation: $2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$.
   • It shows that two hydrogen gas molecules react with one oxygen gas molecule to make two water molecules.

3. Predicting Outcomes:

   • Understanding reactants and products helps scientists and students predict what will happen in reactions.
   • For example, when you mix vinegar (which is acetic acid) with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), you see bubbling. This is because they produce carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), water ($H_2O$), and sodium acetate.

In summary, knowing the difference between reactants and products helps us better understand chemical reactions and their results. This is super important in Year 8 Chemistry!