Balancing Chemical 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

What does a coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

A coefficient indicates the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you determine the coefficients needed to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products until the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the coefficients 2, 3, 1, 3 in a balanced equation?

Back

These coefficients indicate the ratio of molecules of each substance involved in the reaction, ensuring that the equation adheres to the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen to form nitric oxide?

Back

The balanced equation is N₂ + 2O₂ → 2NO.

Front

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

Back

The equation is not balanced; the correct balanced equation is 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂.

Front

What are the coefficients for the reaction Al + O₂ → Al₂O₃?

Back

The coefficients are 4, 3 → 2, making the balanced equation 4Al + 3O₂ → 2Al₂O₃.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations ensures that the same number of atoms of each element is present before and after the reaction, reflecting the conservation of mass.