Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

The large number in front of a chemical formula that indicates how many molecules or atoms are involved in the reaction.

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

The small number written after an element symbol that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

Balance the equation: __Zn + __HCl --> __ZnCl2 + __H2

Back

1, 2, 1, 1

Front

Determine the coefficients to balance: ___Al + ___O2 --> ___Al2O3

Back

4, 3, 2

Front

Balance the equation: __N2 + __O2 --> __NO

Back

1, 1, 2

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

In a chemical reaction, matter is neither created nor destroyed; the mass of the reactants equals the mass of the products.

Front

What is a reactant?

Back

A substance that undergoes a chemical change in a reaction.

Front

What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

A substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a chemical equation and a balanced chemical equation?

Back

A chemical equation shows the reactants and products, while a balanced chemical equation has equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides.