Balancing Chemical Equations Basics

What is the purpose of balancing a chemical equation?

• To increase the reaction rate

• To ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed

• To change the chemical properties

• To create new elements

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

In a balanced chemical equation, what must be equal on both sides?

• Number of molecules on each side

• Total mass on each side

• Number of atoms of each element

• Number of protons on each side

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

What are coefficients in a chemical equation used for?

• To make the equation look longer

• To add unnecessary information

• To confuse students

• To balance the number of atoms on both sides of the equation

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Balance the chemical equation: H2 + O2 -> H2O

• H2 + O2 -> 2H2O

• H2 + O2 -> H2O2

• 2H2O -> H2 + O2

• H2O2 -> H2 + O2

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Balance the chemical equation: Fe + O2 -> Fe2O3

• Fe + O3 -> Fe2O3

• FeO + O2 -> Fe2O3

• Fe + O2 -> Fe2O3

• Fe2O2 -> Fe2O3

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Balance the chemical equation: Al + O2 -> Al2O3

• Al + O2 -> AlO2

• Al + O2 -> AlO3

• Al + O2 -> Al3O2

• Al + O2 -> 2Al2O3

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Balance the chemical equation: N2 + H2 -> NH3

• N2 + 4H2 -> 3NH3

• N2 + 2H2 -> NH3

• N2 + H2 -> NH2

• N2 + 3H2 -> 2NH3

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Balance the chemical equation: C3H8 + O2 -> CO2 + H2O

• C3H8 + 5O2 -> 2CO2 + 4H2O

• C3H8 + 6O2 -> 3CO2 + 4H2O

• C3H8 + 5O2 -> 3CO2 + 4H2O

• C3H8 + 4O2 -> 3CO2 + 4H2O

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Balance the chemical equation: Na + Cl2 -> NaCl

• Na + Cl2 -> Na2Cl2

• Na + Cl2 -> Na2Cl

• Na + Cl2 -> NaCl2

• Na + Cl2 -> 2NaCl

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Balance the chemical equation: Mg + HCl -> MgCl2 + H2

• Mg + HCl -> MgCl2 + H2

• Mg + HCl -> MgCl + H2

• Mg + 2HCl -> MgCl2 + H2

• Mg + 2HCl -> MgCl + H2

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5