Balancing Chemical Equations

What is the main goal when balancing a chemical equation?

• To have the same number of each type of atom on both sides

• To create new elements

• To increase the number of atoms

• To change the chemical properties

In the equation H2 + O2 → H2O, how many oxygen atoms are on the right side before balancing?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What law does balancing chemical equations follow?

• Law of conservation of mass

• Law of gravity

• Law of thermodynamics

• Law of motion

After balancing the equation H2 + O2 → H2O, what does the equation become?

• H2 + O2 → 2H2O

• H2 + O2 → H2O2

• 2H2 + O2 → H2O

• H2 + 2O2 → H2O

Does balancing chemical equations take practice?

• No

• Absolutely not!

• Yes, everything takes practice!

• Not if you're already a scientist.

How can you be sure your equation is done being balanced?

• You can't.

• When it's time for a snack, then that means it's balanced.

• It's balanced when there are the same number of atom types on the other side.

• The equation has to have nothing left.

What is balancing a chemical equation like?

• Flying a plane.

• Eating a sandwich.

• Driving a car.

• Solving a puzzle.