Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is the number before a chemical formula called?

Back

Coefficient

Front

What does a coefficient indicate in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

How do you determine if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

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

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A number written below and to the right of a chemical symbol indicating the number of atoms of that element.

Front

What is the total number of atoms in 5Na3PO4?

Back

40

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

Matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; the mass of reactants equals the mass of products.

Front

What is the role of oxygen in combustion reactions?

Back

Oxygen acts as a reactant that combines with a fuel to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Front

What is the difference between reactants and products in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To adjust the coefficients so that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.