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 the equation N2 + H2 --> NH3?

Back

The balanced equation is 1N2 + 3H2 --> 2NH3.

Front

Is the equation Mg + Cl2 --> MgCl2 balanced?

Back

Yes, it is already balanced.

Front

What do the blue numbers in a chemical equation represent?

Back

The blue numbers represent subscripts, which indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Front

How many atoms of aluminum are in the equation 4Al + 3O2 --> 2Al2O3?

Back

There are 4 atoms of aluminum on each side of the equation.

Front

What is the purpose of coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficients indicate the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in a reaction.

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A subscript is a small number written to the right of an element symbol that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

What does it mean if an equation is not balanced?

Back

It means that the number of atoms of at least one element is different on the reactant side compared to the product side.

Front

How can you tell 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 first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

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