Chemical Equation Definition

by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Updated March 06, 2017

Definition:

A chemical equation is a shorthand written description of what happens in a chemical reaction. It includes the reactants, products, direction(s) of the reaction, and may also include charge and states of matter.