Balancing Equations

Front

What is balancing equations?

Back

Balancing equations is the process of ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of a chemical equation, adhering to the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A coefficient is a number placed in front of a chemical formula in an equation to indicate how many molecules or moles of that substance are involved in the 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 in a chemical formula that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

How do you determine if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

A chemical equation is balanced if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

The first step is to write down the number of atoms of each element present in the reactants and products.

Front

What does it mean if an equation is unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced equation does not have the same number of atoms of each element on both sides, violating the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

The purpose is to accurately represent the conservation of mass in a chemical reaction, showing that matter is neither created nor destroyed.

Front

What is the relationship between coefficients and subscripts?

Back

Coefficients apply to the entire formula they precede, while subscripts only apply to the element they follow.

Front

How do you balance the equation: H2 + O2 → H2O?

Back

Place a coefficient of 2 in front of H2O: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O.

Front

What is the significance of the law of conservation of mass in balancing equations?

Back

It states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, which is why equations must be balanced.