How To Balance Chemical Equations (5 Steps)

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Identify the reactants and products in the equation.

Front

What does it mean when a coefficient is placed in front of a chemical formula?

Back

It indicates the number of molecules or moles of that substance.

Front

How do you treat a polyatomic ion when balancing equations?

Back

As a single unit.

Front

What is assumed when no coefficient is written in front of a chemical formula?

Back

It's 1.

Front

What is the only element that can be changed to balance a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficients.

Front

What should you do if an element has a different number of atoms on each side of the equation?

Back

Change the coefficients.

Front

What is the final step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Practicing with more equations.

Front

Why is it important to balance chemical equations?

Back

To obey the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What happens if you change the subscripts in a chemical formula while balancing?

Back

It changes the identity of the substance.

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

An equation where the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.