Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What is the left part of a chemical equation called?

Back

Reactants

Front

What is the right part of a chemical equation called?

Back

Products

Front

What does it mean for a chemical equation to be balanced?

Back

The number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

How do you determine if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides and compare.

Front

What is the coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A number placed in front of a compound to indicate how many molecules are involved in the reaction.

Front

What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Back

An element is a pure substance made of one type of atom, while a compound is made of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together.

Front

What is the chemical formula for water?

Back

H₂O

Front

How many oxygen atoms are in the compound 2H₂O?

Back

2 oxygen atoms.

Front

What is the significance of the subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

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

Front

What is the chemical equation for the combustion of methane (CH₄)?

Back

CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O