Balancing Equations

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

A balanced chemical 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

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it can only change forms.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides.

Front

What does the coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

The coefficient indicates the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in the reaction.

Front

Balance the equation: C + O₂ → CO₂. What are the coefficients?

Back

1, 1, 1

Front

Balance the equation: H₂ + O₂ → H₂O. What are the coefficients?

Back

2, 1, 2

Front

What is the significance of subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule; for example, in H₂O, there are 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

Front

Is the equation 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O balanced?

Back

Yes, it is balanced.

Front

Balance the equation: P₄ + O₂ → P₂O₃. What are the coefficients?

Back

1, 3, 2

Front

What does it mean if an equation is already balanced?

Back

It means that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation, and no further adjustments are needed.