Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is the first step in balancing chemical equations?

Back

Drawing a line down the middle of the equation.

Front

What is the final coefficient added to potassium in the last example to achieve balance?

Back

4

Front

How many potassium atoms are there on the reactant side in the final example before balancing?

Back

1

Front

What does a subscript in a chemical formula indicate?

Back

The number of atoms of that element.

Front

In the second example, after balancing iron, what is done to balance oxygen?

Back

Multiplying by the smallest common number.

Front

What is a chemical equation?

Back

A representation of a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What are coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Numbers placed before compounds to indicate the number of molecules involved in the reaction.

Front

What is the difference between a coefficient and a subscript?

Back

A coefficient indicates the number of molecules, while a subscript indicates the number of atoms in a molecule.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

Matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.