Balancing equations

Front

What is a Balanced Chemical Equation (BCE)?

Back

A Balanced Chemical Equation is an equation that shows the reactants and products of a chemical reaction with equal numbers of atoms for each element on both sides.

Front

Why is it important to balance chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations is important because it follows the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

What does the coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

The coefficient in a chemical equation represents the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in the reaction.

Front

How do you determine the coefficients for a balanced equation?

Back

To determine the coefficients, adjust the numbers in front of the chemical formulas to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of sodium and water?

Back

2 Na + 2 H₂O → 2 NaOH + H₂.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of methane?

Back

CH₄ + 2 O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of silver nitrate and hydrogen sulfide?

Back

2 AgNO₃ + H₂S → Ag₂S + 2 HNO₃.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of manganese dioxide and hydrochloric acid?

Back

MnO₂ + 4 HCl → MnCl₂ + 2 H₂O + Cl₂.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of sulfurous acid and potassium hydroxide?

Back

H₂SO₃ + 2 KOH → 2 H₂O + K₂SO₃.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that in a closed system, the total mass of reactants must equal the total mass of products.