Counting Atoms

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, meaning mass is conserved.

Front

How do you determine if an equation is balanced?

Back

Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. If they are equal, the equation is balanced.

Front

What does it mean if an equation is unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced equation has a different number of atoms of one or more elements on each side, indicating that mass is not conserved.

Front

How many sodium (Na) atoms are in the compound NaCl?

Back

1 sodium (Na) atom.

Front

How many chlorine (Cl) atoms are in the compound NaCl?

Back

1 chlorine (Cl) atom.

Front

What is the coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A coefficient is a number placed in front of a compound to indicate how many molecules or moles of that compound are present.

Front

If there is a '2' in front of H2O, how many hydrogen (H) atoms are there?

Back

There are 4 hydrogen (H) atoms because 2 x 2 = 4.

Front

What is the total number of atoms in the compound C6H12O6?

Back

There are 24 total atoms (6 carbon + 12 hydrogen + 6 oxygen).

Front

How many atoms of oxygen (O) are in the compound H2O?

Back

1 oxygen (O) atom.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the law of conservation of mass is followed, meaning the same number of each type of atom is present before and after a reaction.