Balancing Equations

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

A balanced chemical equation has equal numbers 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

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

The first step is to write the unbalanced equation, listing all reactants and products.

Front

How do you determine the coefficients in a balanced equation?

Back

Coefficients are determined by adjusting the numbers in front of the compounds to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What does the coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

The coefficient represents the number of moles of a substance involved in the reaction.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of methane (CH4)?

Back

The balanced equation is: CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O.

Front

How do you balance the equation: Fe + O2 -> Fe2O3?

Back

The balanced equation is: 4Fe + 3O2 -> 2Fe2O3.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) with potassium hydroxide (KOH)?

Back

The balanced equation is: H2SO4 + 2KOH -> 2H2O + K2SO4.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)?

Back

The balanced equation is: 2FeCl3 + 3Ca(OH)2 -> 2Fe(OH)3 + 3CaCl2.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of carbon monoxide (CO) with iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3)?

Back

The balanced equation is: 3CO + Fe2O3 -> 2Fe + 3CO2.