Balancing Equations

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 the reaction.

Front

What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?

Back

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter cannot be gained or lost in a chemical reaction.

Front

What are subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

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

Front

What are coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficients are numbers placed in front of compounds in a chemical equation to indicate how many molecules or moles of that compound are involved in the reaction.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What does it mean if a chemical equation is unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced chemical equation does not have the same number of each type of atom on both sides, indicating that mass is not conserved.

Front

What is the product of the reaction between magnesium hydroxide and heat?

Back

The product is magnesium oxide (MgO) and water (H2O).

Front

What is the significance of balancing chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations is crucial because it reflects the conservation of mass and allows for accurate stoichiometric calculations.

Front

What happens to the number of atoms during a chemical reaction?

Back

The number of atoms remains constant; they are rearranged to form new substances.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the decomposition of aluminum oxide?

Back

2Al2O3 → 4Al + 3O2.