Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a chemical equation?

Back

A chemical equation is a way to show what happens in a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas.

Front

What are reactants?

Back

Reactants are the substances that start a chemical reaction.

Front

What are products?

Back

Products are the substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

Balancing a chemical equation means making sure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is a single replacement reaction?

Back

A single replacement reaction is when one element replaces another in a compound.

Front

What is a double replacement reaction?

Back

A double replacement reaction is when two compounds exchange parts to form two new compounds.

Front

What is a decomposition reaction?

Back

A decomposition reaction is when a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances.

Front

What is a synthesis reaction?

Back

A synthesis reaction is when two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex substance.

Front

What does it mean if a chemical equation is unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced chemical equation has a different number of atoms of one or more elements on each side.

Front

How do you know if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

A chemical equation is balanced if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.