Balancing Equations

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass in relation to balancing chemical equations?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. Therefore, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of a balanced equation.

Front

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

Back

A balanced chemical equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, indicating that mass is conserved during the reaction.

Front

How do you determine the coefficients needed to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To determine coefficients, adjust the numbers in front of the compounds to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.

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

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

The first step is to write down the unbalanced equation and count the number of atoms of each element on both sides.

Front

What is the significance of subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule. They cannot be changed when balancing equations.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of aluminum with hydrochloric acid?

Back

2Al + 6HCl -> 3H2 + 2AlCl3.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of sodium with water?

Back

2Na + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2.

Front

What does it mean if a chemical equation is already balanced?

Back

If a chemical equation is already balanced, it means that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation, and no further adjustments are needed.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of magnesium with chlorine gas?

Back

Mg + Cl2 -> MgCl2.