Balancing Reactions Flashcard 2

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass in chemical reactions?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. The total mass of reactants must equal the total mass of products.

Front

What are coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficients are the numbers placed in front of the compounds in a chemical equation to indicate the number of molecules or moles of each substance involved in the reaction.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical reaction?

Back

A reactant is a substance that undergoes a change during a chemical reaction, typically found on the left side of a chemical equation.

Front

What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

A product is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction, typically found on the right side of a chemical equation.

Front

What is the significance of balancing chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations is important because it reflects the conservation of mass and ensures that the reaction obeys the laws of chemistry.

Front

What is the role of subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts in a chemical formula indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule. They are not changed when balancing equations.

Front

What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced chemical equation?

Back

A balanced chemical equation has equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides, while an unbalanced equation does not.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

The first step in balancing a chemical equation is to write down the number of atoms of each element present in the reactants and products.

Front

What is a common method for balancing complex chemical equations?

Back

A common method for balancing complex chemical equations is to balance one element at a time, starting with the most complex molecule.