Balancing Equations

Front

What is a balanced equation?

Back

A balanced equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, indicating that mass is conserved during a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients (the numbers in front of the compounds) to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What does the coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

The coefficient indicates the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in 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

Balance the equation: __ H2 + __ O2 -> __ H2O

Back

2 H2 + 1 O2 -> 2 H2O

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations ensures that the same amount of each element is present before and after the reaction, reflecting the conservation of mass.

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is a product in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

How many oxygen atoms are in 2 H2O?

Back

There are 2 oxygen atoms in 2 H2O.

Front

What does it mean if an equation is unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced equation does not have the same number of each type of atom on both sides, indicating that mass is not conserved.