Balancing Equations

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

The large number in front of a chemical formula.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

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

Back

The total number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

Matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you balance the equation KNO3 --> KNO2 + O2?

Back

Use coefficients 2, 2, 1.

Front

What is the balanced equation for CO + Fe2O3 --> Fe + CO2?

Back

3CO + 2Fe2O3 --> 4Fe + 3CO2.

Front

Which of the following is a balanced equation? PbO2 + 2H2 --> H2SO4 or 2Na + 2H2O --> 2NaOH + H?

Back

2Na + 2H2O --> 2NaOH + H.

Front

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

Back

Add the subscripts of each element in the chemical formula.

Front

What is the total number of atoms in C2H8O?

Back

11.