Balancing Equations

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

How do you determine the number of atoms in a chemical formula?

Back

To determine the number of atoms in a chemical formula, look at the subscripts. For example, in C6H12O6, there are 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

Balancing a chemical equation means ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, reflecting the conservation of mass.

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical reaction?

Back

A reactant is a substance that undergoes change during a chemical reaction. It is 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. It is found on the right side of a chemical equation.

Front

How do you balance the equation SnO2 + H2 → Sn + H2O?

Back

The balanced equation is SnO2 + 2H2 → Sn + 2H2O.

Front

What is the significance of coefficients in a balanced equation?

Back

Coefficients indicate the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in a reaction. They are used to balance the equation.

Front

Identify the balanced equation: 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2. Is it balanced?

Back

Yes, it is balanced because there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the balanced form of PCl5 + H2O → HCl + H3PO4?

Back

The balanced equation is PCl5 + 4H2O → 5HCl + H3PO4.

Front

What is a subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts are numbers written below and to the right of an element symbol in a chemical formula, indicating the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.