Chapter 7 Flashcard

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

How can you determine if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

A chemical equation is balanced if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean for a chemical equation to be unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced chemical equation has unequal numbers of atoms for one or more elements on the reactant and product sides.

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

Why is it important to balance 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 balanced equation for the combustion of hydrogen?

Back

The balanced equation for the combustion of hydrogen is 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O.

Front

What role do subscripts play in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts in a chemical formula indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Front

How do you balance the equation: C + O2 -> CO2?

Back

To balance the equation, place a coefficient of 1 in front of C and a coefficient of 2 in front of O2, resulting in C + O2 -> CO2.

Front

What is the significance of the arrow in a chemical equation?

Back

The arrow in a chemical equation indicates the direction of the reaction, showing the conversion of reactants to products.