Balancing Equations

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, indicating that mass is conserved during 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; it can only change forms.

Front

How do you determine the coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficients are determined by adjusting the numbers in front of the compounds to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

The first step is to write down the number of atoms of each element present in the reactants and products.

Front

What does it mean to balance an equation?

Back

To balance an equation means to adjust the coefficients so that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the 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

Balance the equation: C₃H₈ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

Back

The balanced equation is: 1 C₃H₈ + 5 O₂ → 3 CO₂ + 4 H₂O.

Front

What is the significance of balancing equations in chemistry?

Back

Balancing equations is crucial because it reflects the actual quantities of reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction, ensuring accurate calculations in stoichiometry.

Front

What is a 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

How do you balance polyatomic ions in a chemical equation?

Back

Treat polyatomic ions that appear unchanged on both sides of the equation as a single unit when balancing.