Balancing Equations

Front

What is balancing equations?

Back

Balancing equations is the process of ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of a chemical equation, following the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What does a coefficient represent in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A subscript is a small number written after an element symbol that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

How do you determine the number of atoms of an element in a compound?

Back

Count the number of atoms represented by the element's symbol and any subscripts that follow it.

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

How many atoms of oxygen are in 2H2O?

Back

There are 2 oxygen atoms in 2H2O, as each water molecule (H2O) contains 1 oxygen atom.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of magnesium and hydrochloric acid?

Back

The balanced equation is Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing a chemical equation?

Back

The purpose is 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

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of propane (C3H8)?

Back

The balanced equation is C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O.

Front

How do you balance the equation Al + O2 → Al2O3?

Back

The balanced equation is 4Al + 3O2 → 2Al2O3.