Balancing Equations Practice

Front

What is a balanced equation?

Back

A balanced equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, indicating that mass is conserved during the reaction.

Front

What is an unbalanced equation?

Back

An unbalanced equation does not have the same number of each type of atom on both sides, meaning that mass is not conserved.

Front

What is a reactant?

Back

A reactant is a substance that undergoes a chemical change in a reaction, found on the left side of a chemical equation.

Front

What is a product?

Back

A product is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction, found on the right side of a chemical equation.

Front

What is a 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 in the reaction.

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A subscript is a small number written to the right of an element symbol that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it can only change forms.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the decomposition of mercury(II) oxide?

Back

2HgO -> 2Hg + O2.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of hydrogen?

Back

2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O.