SPS3. Conservation of Mass and Balancing Equations

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What is the Law of Conservation of Mass?

Back

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. The total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

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What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

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

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How do you determine the number of atoms in a chemical formula?

Back

Count the subscripts in the formula. If there is no subscript, it is understood to be 1. For example, in H2O, there are 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

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What is a synthesis reaction?

Back

A synthesis reaction is a type of chemical reaction where two or more substances combine to form a new compound.

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What is a decomposition reaction?

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A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances.

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What is a single replacement reaction?

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A single replacement reaction is a type of chemical reaction where one element replaces another in a compound.

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What is a double replacement reaction?

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A double replacement reaction is a type of chemical reaction where the anions and cations of two different compounds switch places, forming two new compounds.

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How do you balance a chemical equation?

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To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients in front of the compounds to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides.

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What does it mean if an equation is balanced?

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If an equation is balanced, it means that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation, satisfying the Law of Conservation of Mass.

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What is the role of coefficients in a chemical equation?

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Coefficients indicate the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in a reaction and are used to balance the equation.