Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Chemical Formula
A chemical formula is a symbolic representation of a chemical compound, indicating the types and numbers of atoms present. For example, in the context of the question, the reactants consist of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) atoms, which can be represented as O2 for diatomic oxygen and N2 for diatomic nitrogen. Understanding how to write these formulas is essential for identifying the reactants and products in a chemical reaction.
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Molecular Representation
Molecular representation uses visual models, such as spheres, to depict the arrangement of atoms in a molecule. In the provided images, red spheres represent oxygen atoms, while blue spheres represent nitrogen atoms. This visual aid helps in understanding the molecular structure and the changes that occur during a chemical reaction, which is crucial for writing the correct formulas for reactants and products.
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Chemical Reaction
A chemical reaction involves the transformation of reactants into products through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. In this case, the reactants are gaseous oxygen and nitrogen, which may react to form products like nitrogen oxides. Recognizing the nature of the reaction and the stoichiometry involved is vital for accurately writing the formulas for both reactants and products.
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