skeleton equations?

Word equations can be very useful. Generally, however, skeleton equations, in which we have substituted chemical formulas for the chemical names, are even more useful. Skeleton equations are also sometimes called unbalanced equations.

Continuing with the electrolysis of water, we have a skeleton equation, "H₂O ------> H₂ + O₂." The formula for water is H₂O; the formula for hydrogen is H₂; and the formula for oxygen is O₂. A skeleton equation is just a way of using the formulas to indicate the chemicals that were involved in the chemical reaction.