Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a chemical equation?

Back

A representation of a chemical reaction.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

How many atoms of Sodium (Na) are in 6NaCl?

Back

6

Front

What is the coefficient in the chemical formula 3H2O?

Back

3

Front

What is the purpose of coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What does the law of conservation of mass state?

Back

Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

In the equation 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O, how many molecules of water are produced?

Back

2 molecules of water.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of aluminum and hydrochloric acid?

Back

2Al + 6HCl -> 3H2 + 2AlCl3.

Front

What is the significance of the arrow in a chemical equation?

Back

The arrow indicates the direction of the reaction, from reactants to products.