Balancing Chemical Equations Concepts

The video tutorial explains how to balance a chemical equation involving calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid. It begins by counting atoms on both sides of the equation and identifies imbalances. The instructor first balances phosphorus atoms, then adjusts calcium and oxygen, and finally balances hydrogen atoms. The tutorial emphasizes starting with simpler atoms and making adjustments step-by-step to achieve a balanced equation.

What is the first step in balancing the given chemical equation?

• Count the number of hydrogen atoms.

• Count the number of phosphorus atoms.

• Count the number of calcium atoms.

• Count the number of oxygen atoms.

How many total oxygen atoms are there on the reactant side initially?

• Six

• Nine

• Eight

• Four

What coefficient is placed in front of H3PO4 to balance phosphorus atoms?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

After balancing phosphorus, how many hydrogen atoms are there on the reactant side?

• Ten

• Eight

• Six

• Four

What coefficient is used in front of calcium hydroxide to balance calcium atoms?

• 4

• 3

• 2

• 1

How many total oxygen atoms are there on the product side after balancing calcium?

• Fourteen

• Eighteen

• Twelve

• Sixteen

What is the final step to ensure the equation is balanced?

• Adjust the coefficient of H2O.

• Adjust the coefficient of Ca(OH)2.

• Adjust the coefficient of H3PO4.

• Adjust the coefficient of Ca3(PO4)2.

How many hydrogen atoms are there on both sides after the final adjustment?

• Sixteen

• Fourteen

• Twelve

• Ten

What is the balanced chemical equation for the reaction?

• 3Ca(OH)2 + H3PO4 → Ca3(PO4)2 + 3H2O

• 3Ca(OH)2 + 2H3PO4 → Ca3(PO4)2 + 6H2O

• Ca(OH)2 + H3PO4 → Ca3(PO4)2 + H2O

• Ca(OH)2 + 2H3PO4 → 3Ca3(PO4)2 + H2O

What is a common strategy to simplify balancing chemical equations?

• Ignore hydrogen and oxygen until the end.

• Start with the most complex molecule.

• Balance the heaviest atoms first.

• Balance the simplest atoms first.