Final answer:
The arrow in a chemical equation means "Formation of a new substance," indicating a chemical change where reactants transform into products, ensuring the same number of atoms are conserved.
Step-by-step explanation:
The arrow in a chemical equation translates to the meaning of "Formation of a new substance". This indicates a chemical change where reactants are transformed into products. The arrow points from reactants to products, similar to an equals sign in mathematics, ensuring that there is the same number and types of atoms on each side to maintain the law of conservation of mass.
To further clarify, although reaction conditions such as catalysts or temperature changes can be written above or below the arrow, these do not alter the fundamental meaning of the arrow itself. Additionally, while some reactions are reversible, which would be indicated by a double arrow, the single arrow signifies that under the given conditions, the reaction proceeds in one direction, leading to the formation of new substances.