Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is the Law of Conservation of Matter?

Back

A law stating that atoms are neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction.

Front

What are reactants in a chemical equation?

Back

The initial materials in a chemical reaction.

Front

What are products in a chemical equation?

Back

The new substances formed in a chemical reaction.

Front

How can you tell if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

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

Front

Is the equation 2H2O + O2 --> 4MgO + 3Fe balanced?

Back

No

Front

Is the equation Al + O2 --> Al2O3 balanced or unbalanced?

Back

Unbalanced

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To adjust the coefficients in a chemical equation so that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A number placed in front of a chemical formula to indicate how many molecules or atoms are involved.

Front

What is a chemical equation?

Back

A representation of a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the Law of Conservation of Matter is upheld in a chemical reaction.