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 a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you determine if an equation is balanced?

Back

Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. If they are equal, the equation is balanced.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it can only change forms.

Front

What is the coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

How many hydrogen atoms are in H2SO4?

Back

There are 2 hydrogen atoms in H2SO4.

Front

How many total atoms are in H2SO4?

Back

There are 7 total atoms in H2SO4 (2 H, 1 S, 4 O).

Front

Balance the equation: C + O2 → CO2

Back

1 C + 1 O2 → 1 CO2 (already balanced).

Front

Balance the equation: _Mg + _HCl → _MgCl2 + _H2

Back

1 Mg + 2 HCl → 1 MgCl2 + 1 H2.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

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 does it mean if an equation is unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced equation indicates that the reaction does not conserve mass, which is not possible in a chemical reaction.