Balancing Equations

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

The large number to the left of a formula.

Front

The blue numbers in a chemical equation represent ________

Back

subscripts.

Front

Which of the following equations is balanced?

Back

2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂.

Front

Fill in the blanks with coefficients: PCl₅ + _ H₂O → _ HCl + H₃PO₄

Back

4, 5.

Front

Balance the equation: Al₂O₃ → Al + O₂

Back

2Al₂O₃ → 4Al + 3O₂.

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A small number that indicates the number of atoms of an element in a molecule.

Front

What does it mean for a chemical equation to be balanced?

Back

The number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To obey the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

Matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you determine the coefficients needed to balance an equation?

Back

By adjusting the numbers in front of the compounds to ensure equal numbers of each type of atom.