Balancing Equations Flashcard

Front

What is a balanced equation?

Back

A balanced equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, indicating that mass is conserved during a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you determine if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. If they are equal, the equation is balanced.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it can only change forms.

Front

What does a coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

A coefficient indicates the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in the reaction.

Front

How many atoms of oxygen are in the equation: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O?

Back

There are 2 atoms of oxygen on the left side and 2 atoms of oxygen on the right side, making it balanced.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the equation, reflecting the conservation of mass.

Front

In the equation 4Al + 3O2 → 2Al2O3, how many aluminum atoms are present?

Back

There are 4 aluminum atoms on the left side and 4 aluminum atoms on the right side.

Front

What is the balanced form of the equation H2 + O2 → H2O?

Back

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O.

Front

What does it mean if an equation is unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced equation has a different number of atoms of one or more elements on each side, violating the law of conservation of mass.