Classifying & Balancing Chemical Equations

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What is a chemical equation?

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A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants and products along with their quantities.

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

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A balanced chemical equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, adhering to the Law of Conservation of Matter.

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What is the Law of Conservation of Matter?

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The Law of Conservation of Matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it only changes form.

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What is a synthesis reaction?

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A synthesis reaction is a type of chemical reaction where two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex product.

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What is a decomposition reaction?

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A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler products.

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What is a single displacement reaction?

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A single displacement reaction is a type of chemical reaction where one element replaces another element in a compound.

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What is a double displacement reaction?

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A double displacement reaction is a type of chemical reaction where the anions and cations of two different compounds exchange places, forming two new compounds.

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How do you balance a chemical equation?

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To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides.

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What is the role of coefficients in a chemical equation?

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

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What is the difference between reactants and products?

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Reactants are the starting substances in a chemical reaction, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction.