Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a chemical equation?

Back

A representation of a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas to show the reactants and products.

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 of each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

The large number in front of a chemical formula that indicates how many molecules or moles of that substance are involved in the reaction.

Front

How do you determine the coefficients to balance the equation Al + HCl -> H2 + AlCl3?

Back

The coefficients are 2, 6, 3, 2.

Front

How do you balance the equation Al + O2 -> Al2O3?

Back

The coefficients are 4, 3, 2.

Front

What is the balanced form of the equation N2 + O2 -> NO?

Back

The coefficients are 1, 1, 2.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the significance of the law of conservation of mass in chemical reactions?

Back

It states that the total mass of reactants must equal the total mass of products in a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of methane (CH4 + O2 -> CO2 + H2O)?

Back

The balanced equation is 1, 2, 1, 2.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products.