Balancing Equations

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

A balanced chemical equation has equal numbers 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

How do you determine the coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficients are determined by adjusting the numbers in front of the compounds to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

The first step is to write down the number of atoms of each element present in the reactants and products.

Front

Balance the equation: __C + __O₂ --> __CO₂

Back

1, 1, 1

Front

What does it mean if an equation is already balanced?

Back

It means that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, and no further adjustments are needed.

Front

Balance the equation: __Fe + __O₂ --> __Fe₂O₃

Back

4, 3, 2

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

Balance the equation: __NH₃ + __O₂ --> __NO + __H₂O

Back

4, 3, 2, 6

Front

What is the significance of balancing chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations is crucial for accurately representing the quantities of reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction.