Balancing equations review

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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

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What is the law of conservation of mass?

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The law of conservation of mass states that in a chemical reaction, the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products.

Front

What are products in a chemical reaction?

Back

Products are new substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the difference between reactants and products?

Back

Reactants are the starting substances in a chemical reaction, while products are the substances produced at the end of the reaction.

Front

How do you know if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

Balancing a chemical equation means adjusting the coefficients to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation.

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What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

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A subscript is a small number written to the right of a chemical symbol that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

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The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to satisfy the law of conservation of mass, ensuring that matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

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What is an example of a balanced chemical equation?

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2Na + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2 is an example of a balanced chemical equation.

Front

What happens if a chemical equation is not balanced?

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If a chemical equation is not balanced, it does not accurately represent the reaction, violating the law of conservation of mass.