Balancing and Types of Reactions

Front

What is a reactant?

Back

The substance(s) you start with in a chemical reaction.

Front

What is a product?

Back

The substance(s) you end with in a chemical reaction.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What are coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Numbers placed before compounds to indicate the number of molecules involved in the reaction.

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction; it is conserved.

Front

What is a synthesis reaction?

Back

A type of reaction where two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

Front

What is a decomposition reaction?

Back

A reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more products.

Front

What is a single replacement reaction?

Back

A reaction where one element replaces another in a compound.

Front

What is a double replacement reaction?

Back

A reaction where two compounds exchange ions or bonds to form two new compounds.

Front

What is an example of a combustion reaction?

Back

The reaction of a hydrocarbon with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.