Counting Atoms and Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What does it mean for a chemical equation to be balanced?

Back

It means that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the total number of atoms in a compound?

Back

Add the number of atoms represented by the subscripts for each element.

Front

How many Oxygens are in the molecule (OH)₂?

Back

2

Front

Is the equation H₂ + O₂ → H₂O balanced?

Back

No, it is not balanced.

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

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

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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 the law of conservation of mass?

Back

In a chemical reaction, mass is neither created nor destroyed; the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

By adjusting the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides.

Front

What does the symbol '→' represent in a chemical equation?

Back

It indicates the direction of the reaction, showing that reactants are transformed into products.

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical reaction?

Back

A substance that undergoes change during a chemical reaction.