Physical Science: Balancing Equations

Front

What principle states that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products in a chemical reaction?

Back

Law of Conservation of Mass

Front

What is the term for the small number written after an element symbol in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscript

Front

What do coefficients in a chemical equation represent?

Back

The number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in the reaction.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

By adjusting the coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides.

Front

What is the difference between a subscript and a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A subscript indicates the number of atoms of an element in a molecule, while a coefficient indicates the number of molecules.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of aluminum with hydrochloric acid?

Back

2Al + 6HCl -> 3H2 + 2AlCl3

Front

In a chemical equation, what do blue numbers typically represent?

Back

Subscripts

Front

In a chemical equation, what do red numbers typically represent?

Back

Coefficients

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld.

Front

What happens if a chemical equation is not balanced?

Back

It does not accurately represent the quantities of reactants and products.