Balancing equations

Front

What is a Balanced Chemical Equation (BCE)?

Back

A Balanced Chemical Equation is a chemical reaction equation where the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation, ensuring the law of conservation of mass is followed.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

Balancing a chemical equation means adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation.

Front

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.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A coefficient is a number placed in front of a chemical formula in an equation to indicate how many molecules or moles of that substance are involved in the reaction.

Front

How do you determine the coefficients for a balanced equation?

Back

To determine coefficients, start by counting the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products, then adjust the coefficients to equalize the number of atoms for each element.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of carbon monoxide and iron(III) oxide?

Back

3CO + Fe2O3 → 2Fe + 3CO2.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the formation of hydrogen sulfide from hydrogen and sulfur?

Back

H2 + S → H2S.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of calcium and water?

Back

Ca + 2H2O → Ca(OH)2 + H2.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of iron(III) chloride and calcium hydroxide?

Back

3FeCl3 + 3Ca(OH)2 → 3Fe(OH)3 + 3CaCl2.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of sodium and water?

Back

2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2.