reactant

[riˈæktənt]

reactant Definition

• 1. a substance that takes part in and undergoes change during a reaction
• 2. a substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction

Using reactant: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reactant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  In this reaction, hydrogen and oxygen are the reactants.

• Example

  The reactants are mixed together in a test tube.

• Example

  The concentration of the reactants affects the rate of the reaction.

reactant Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for reactant

• reagent
• substrate
• participant

Phrases with reactant

• limiting reactant

  the reactant that is completely consumed in a reaction and limits the amount of product that can be formed

  Example

  In the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water, the limiting reactant is the one that is used up first.

• excess reactant

  the reactant that is not completely consumed in a reaction and is left over after the reaction is complete

  Example

  If there is more of one reactant than is needed for a reaction, it will be left over as an excess reactant.

• stoichiometric reactant

  the reactant that is present in the exact amount needed for a reaction to occur

  Example

  In a balanced chemical equation, the stoichiometric reactant is the one with a coefficient of 1.

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Summary: reactant in Brief

'Reactant' [riˈæktənt] refers to a substance that undergoes change during a chemical reaction. It is often paired with 'product,' and can be described as the substance present at the start of a reaction. Examples include 'In this reaction, hydrogen and oxygen are the reactants.' 'Reactant' has phrases like 'limiting reactant,' which is the reactant that is completely consumed in a reaction and limits the amount of product that can be formed.