CONSERVATION OF MASS AND BALANCING EQUATIONS

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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 the reactants equals the total mass of the products.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation by adjusting the coefficients.

Front

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

Back

A chemical equation is balanced when the same number of each type of atom appears in the reactants and products.

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.

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical reaction?

Back

A reactant is a substance that undergoes change during a chemical reaction, appearing on the left side of a chemical equation.

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What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

A product is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction, appearing on the right side of a chemical equation.

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What happens to mass during a chemical reaction?

Back

During a chemical reaction, the total mass remains constant; it is conserved.

Front

How do you determine the number of atoms in a compound?

Back

To determine the number of atoms in a compound, multiply the subscript of each element by the coefficient in front of the compound.

Front

What is the significance of subscripts in a chemical formula?

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Subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule. For example, in H2O, the subscript '2' indicates there are two hydrogen atoms.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride?

Back

The balanced equation is: 2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl.