Balancing Act

Balancing Act: Chemical Equations

Mr. Schrader - 03/15/2022

Chemical Equations

Balancing Equations

Atoms are not Created or Destroyed during a chemical reaction!

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This is the Law of Conservation of Matter! During any physical or chemical change, matter is not created or destroyed. It just changes physically or chemically!

Multiple Choice

Do we create matter when we perform a chemical reaction?

• Yes

• No

Chemical Equations

Scientists know that there must be the Same number or atoms on each Side of the Reaction! This means the equation is balanced!

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If the numbers don't add up, then it is NOT balanced! ​

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Example: N2 + H2 ---> NH3​

​They are not balanced!

Multiple Choice

Do chemical equations need to have the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation to be balanced?

• Yes

• No

Chemical Equations

Balancing Equations

To balance the chemical equation, you must add Coefficients in front of the chemical formulas in the equation!

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Coefficients multiply the number of subscripts an element has! ​

This may seem tricky, but we WILL get it!

​Here's How We Balance!

First: We count the number of atoms for each element!

Second: Pick an element that is not equal on both sides of the equation!

Third: Add a coefficient in front of the formula with that element and adjust your counts!

Fourth: Continue adding coefficients to get the same number of atoms of each element on each side!​

To-Do List:

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Work on your three assignments on Discovery Education!

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When you are done, Raise your hand so Mr. Schrader can work with you on your next assignment! ​