Balancing Equations

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A coefficient is a number placed in front of a chemical formula to indicate the number of molecules or moles of that substance involved in the reaction.

Front

What does the principle of conservation of mass state in a chemical reaction?

Back

The principle of conservation of mass states that matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction; the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

Front

How many oxygen atoms are present in 4H2O?

Back

There are 4 oxygen atoms in 4H2O.

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

How many hydrogen atoms are in 4H2O?

Back

There are 8 hydrogen atoms in 4H2O.

Front

What is the difference between a reactant and a product in a chemical equation?

Back

Reactants are the starting substances that undergo change, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction.

Front

What is the significance of balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Balancing a chemical equation ensures that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the equation, reflecting the conservation of mass.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation means to adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products so that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.

Front

What is the general form of a chemical equation?

Back

The general form of a chemical equation is: Reactants -> Products.

Front

What role do coefficients play in stoichiometry?

Back

Coefficients in a balanced chemical equation are used in stoichiometry to determine the relative amounts of reactants and products involved in a reaction.