Balancing Equations

Front

What is a chemical equation?

Back

A short way to show a chemical reaction using symbols.

Front

What does it mean for a chemical equation to be balanced?

Back

The number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To obey the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed.

Front

What are reactants in a chemical equation?

Back

The substances that undergo a chemical change, found on the left side of the equation.

Front

What are products in a chemical equation?

Back

The substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction, found on the right side of the equation.

Front

Can you change the subscripts in a chemical equation when balancing?

Back

No, changing subscripts changes the substance itself.

Front

What does the coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

The number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in the reaction.

Front

Is the equation 2 H2 + O2 = 2 H2O balanced?

Back

Yes, it is balanced.

Front

How many HCl are needed to balance the equation Mg + ___ HCl → MgCl2 + H2?

Back

2 HCl are needed.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides.