Here’s the explanation without using any chemical equations:
- Reactants are the original substances that take part in a chemical reaction. They are present at the beginning of the reaction and undergo change.
- Products are the new substances that are formed as a result of the chemical reaction. They are present at the end of the reaction and usually have different properties from the reactants.
Example in words: When wood burns in air, the reactants are wood and oxygen. The products are ash, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.