Balancing Equations

Front

What is a balanced equation?

Back

A balanced equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, indicating that mass is conserved during the reaction.

Front

What does the Law of Conservation of Mass state?

Back

Matter cannot be gained or lost in a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

Adjust the coefficients in front of the compounds to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides.

Front

What is the coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

A coefficient is a number placed in front of a chemical formula to indicate how many molecules or moles of that substance are involved.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the same amount of matter is present before and after a chemical reaction, in accordance with the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products.

Front

In the equation PCl5 + ___ H2O → ___ HCl + H3PO4, how many H2O molecules are needed to balance it?

Back

4 H2O molecules are needed.

Front

In the equation __ Al + __ FeO → Al2O2 + __ Fe, what are the coefficients for Al, FeO, and Fe?

Back

The coefficients are 2, 2, and 2 respectively.

Front

What is the significance of using subscripts in chemical formulas?

Back

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

Front

What happens if a chemical equation is not balanced?

Back

If not balanced, it suggests that mass is not conserved, which violates the Law of Conservation of Mass.