Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What are the two sides of a chemical equation called?

Back

Reactants (left) and Products (right)

Front

What is the little number after an element in a chemical equation called?

Back

Subscript

Front

In the equation PCl5 + ___ H2O → ___ HCl + H3PO4, what are the coefficients for H2O and HCl?

Back

4 for H2O and 5 for HCl

Front

What can be placed to the left of a formula of a substance to balance a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficient

Front

What does the Law of Conservation of Mass state?

Back

Matter cannot be gained or lost in a chemical reaction.

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

An equation where the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the same number of atoms of each element is present on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical equation?

Back

A substance that undergoes a change during a chemical reaction.

Front

What is a product in a chemical equation?

Back

A substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

What does it mean if a chemical equation is unbalanced?

Back

It means that the number of atoms of at least one element is not the same on both sides.