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 equal on both sides of the equation.

Front

What does it mean to balance an equation?

Back

Balancing an equation means adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products so that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

The first step is to write down the unbalanced equation and count the number of atoms of each element on both sides.

Front

What is the significance of coefficients in a balanced equation?

Back

Coefficients indicate the relative amounts of reactants and products involved in the reaction.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of aluminum and hydrochloric acid?

Back

2Al + 6HCl -> 3H2 + 2AlCl3.

Front

How do you balance the equation KNO3 -> KNO2 + O2?

Back

The balanced equation is 2KNO3 -> 2KNO2 + O2.

Front

Which of the following is a balanced equation: PbO2 + 2H2 -> ?

Back

The balanced equation is PbO2 + 2H2 -> Pb + 2H2O.

Front

What is the balanced equation for CF4 + Br2 -> CBr4 + F2?

Back

The balanced equation is CF4 + 2Br2 -> CBr4 + 2F2.