Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is the little number after an element in a chemical equation called?

Back

Subscript

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

A chemical equation where the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A number placed in front of a chemical formula to indicate how many molecules or atoms are involved.

Front

How do you determine if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

By counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation and ensuring they are equal.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products so that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides.

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

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Write down the unbalanced equation and count the number of atoms of each element.

Front

What is the significance of subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Front

What is the role of the arrow in a chemical equation?

Back

The arrow indicates the direction of the reaction, separating reactants from products.

Front

How do you balance the equation N2 + O2 → NO?

Back

By placing a coefficient of 2 in front of NO: N2 + O2 → 2NO.