Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a chemical equation?

Back

A representation of a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas to show the reactants and products.

Front

What are reactants in a chemical equation?

Back

Substances that undergo a chemical change in a reaction, found on the left side of the equation.

Front

What are products in a chemical equation?

Back

Substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction, found on the right side of the equation.

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 a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?

Back

It states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you determine if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

By counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation and ensuring they are equal.

Front

What is the purpose of using coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

To balance the equation by adjusting the number of molecules of reactants and products.

Front

What is the difference between a reactant and a product?

Back

Reactants are the starting materials in a reaction, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction.

Front

What does the arrow in a chemical equation represent?

Back

It indicates the direction of the reaction, showing the conversion of reactants to products.