Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is a chemical equation?

Back

A representation of a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas to show the reactants and products.

Front

What are reactants in a chemical equation?

Back

Substances that undergo a chemical change in a reaction, found on the left side of the equation.

Front

What are products in a chemical equation?

Back

Substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction, found on the right side of the equation.

Front

How do you determine the number of atoms in a compound?

Back

By adding the subscripts in the chemical formula; for example, in C6H12O6, there are 6 carbon atoms.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

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 the equation P4 + O2 -> P2O3?

Back

The balanced equation is 1P4 + 3O2 -> 2P2O3.

Front

Is the equation 2H2O + O2 -> 4MgO + 3Fe balanced?

Back

No, the number of atoms of each element is not the same on both sides.

Front

What is the balanced form of CF4 + Br2 -> CBr4 + F2?

Back

The balanced equation is 1CF4 + 2Br2 -> 1CBr4 + 2F2.

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A number written below and to the right of a chemical symbol indicating the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.