Practice Problem: Balancing Equations

The video tutorial covers the process of balancing chemical equations through four examples: calcium chloride and sodium phosphate, a combustion reaction, a reaction involving carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and the decomposition of ammonium nitrate. Each example is broken down step-by-step, highlighting the importance of balancing elements on both sides of the equation. The tutorial emphasizes strategies such as using tables to tally atoms and saving elements that appear alone for last to simplify the balancing process.

What is the first step in balancing the equation involving calcium chloride and sodium phosphate?

• Balance sodium atoms

• Balance calcium atoms

• Balance chlorine atoms

• Balance phosphate ions

How many chlorine atoms are on the left side after balancing calcium in the first example?

• Two

• Four

• Six

• Eight

In the combustion reaction example, which element should be balanced last?

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Hydrogen

• Carbon

What is the total number of oxygen atoms on the right side after balancing carbon in the combustion reaction?

• Three

• Five

• Nine

• Seven

In the reaction involving carbon monoxide and hydrogen, what is the final coefficient for H2 to balance hydrogen?

• 8

• 16

• 17

• 34

What is the initial number of carbon atoms on the right side in the carbon monoxide and hydrogen reaction?

• Ten

• Eight

• Two

• One

In the ammonium nitrate decomposition example, what is the first element to be balanced?

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Ammonium

How many oxygen atoms are on the right side after balancing hydrogen in the ammonium nitrate decomposition?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• Five

What is the final coefficient for water in the ammonium nitrate decomposition reaction?

• Five

• Four

• Three

• Two

In the ammonium nitrate decomposition, what is the final step to balance the equation?

• Adjusting ammonium

• Adjusting hydrogen

• Adjusting oxygen

• Adjusting nitrogen