Balancing Equations

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

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

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it can only change forms.

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 do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is a reactant?

Back

A reactant is a substance that undergoes a chemical change in a reaction.

Front

What is a product?

Back

A product is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

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What is an ionic compound?

Back

An ionic compound is formed when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions.

Front

What is a cation?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion that is formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Front

What is an anion?

Back

An anion is a negatively charged ion that is formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Front

What is the formula for ammonium phosphate?

Back

The formula for ammonium phosphate is (NH₄)₃PO₄.