Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A subscript is a number written below and to the right of a chemical symbol that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

How many atoms of carbon are in C6H12O6?

Back

There are 6 atoms of carbon in C6H12O6.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

The purpose is to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, following the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What does a coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

A coefficient is a number placed in front of a chemical formula that indicates how many molecules or moles of that substance are involved in the reaction.

Front

How many hydrogen atoms are in 4H2O?

Back

There are 8 hydrogen atoms in 4H2O.

Front

Is the equation 2H2O + O2 --> 4MgO + 3Fe balanced?

Back

No, the equation is not balanced.

Front

What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

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

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical reaction?

Back

A reactant is a substance that undergoes change during a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you determine if a chemical 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 is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction; the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.