Balancing Reactions Gen Chem

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

A balanced chemical equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, reflecting the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What does the coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

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

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; the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

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.

Front

What is the skeleton equation?

Back

A skeleton equation is a chemical equation that shows the reactants and products but not the coefficients needed to balance it.

Front

What is the role of subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule; they cannot be changed when balancing equations.

Front

What is the difference between a reactant and a product?

Back

Reactants are substances that undergo a chemical change, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction.

Front

How do you identify the limiting reactant in a chemical reaction?

Back

The limiting reactant is the substance that is completely consumed first, limiting the amount of product formed.

Front

What is a combustion reaction?

Back

A combustion reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance combines with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of light or heat.

Front

What is a synthesis reaction?

Back

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