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, following the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What are coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficients are the numbers placed in front of compounds in a chemical equation to indicate the number of molecules or moles of that substance.

Front

What are subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts are the small numbers written to the lower right of an element symbol in a chemical formula, indicating the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

How do you balance the equation CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O?

Back

The balanced equation is 1 CH₄ + 2 O₂ → 1 CO₂ + 2 H₂O.

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 the law of conservation of mass state?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

Balance the equation: N₂ + H₂ → NH₃.

Back

The balanced equation is 1 N₂ + 3 H₂ → 2 NH₃.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

The purpose is to ensure that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the equation, reflecting the actual chemical reaction.

Front

What is the balanced form of the equation: _Xe + _F₂ → _XeF₆?

Back

The balanced equation is 1 Xe + 3 F₂ → 1 XeF₆.

Front

How do you identify the limiting reactant in a reaction?

Back

The limiting reactant is the substance that is completely consumed first, limiting the amount of product formed.