Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

A balanced chemical equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, reflecting the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Front

What does the Law of Conservation of Mass state?

Back

Matter cannot be gained or lost in a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

Adjust the coefficients in front of the reactants and products to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides.

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.

Front

Balance the equation: H2 + O2 → H2O

Back

2 H2 + 1 O2 → 2 H2O

Front

Balance the equation: HgO → ?

Back

2 HgO → 2 Hg + O2

Front

What is the role of coefficients in balancing equations?

Back

Coefficients are used to multiply the number of atoms in a molecule to achieve balance in a chemical equation.

Front

Balance the equation: SeCl6 + O2 → ?

Back

1 SeCl6 + 1 O2 → 1 SeO2 + 3 Cl2

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical reaction?

Back

A reactant is a substance that undergoes change during a chemical reaction.

Front

What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

A product is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.