Balancing Chemical 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 the 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 cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it can only change forms.

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

How many total atoms are in the compound 5Na3PO4?

Back

40 (5 x (3 Na + 1 P + 4 O) = 40 total atoms).

Front

What is the significance of balancing chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations ensures that the same amount of each element is present before and after the reaction, reflecting the conservation of mass.

Front

Identify if the following equation is balanced: 4Fe + 3O2 -> 2Fe2O3

Back

Yes, it is balanced.

Front

Identify if the following equation is balanced: NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2

Back

No, it is not balanced.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of glucose?

Back

C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O.

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, indicating a violation of the conservation of mass.