Balancing Chemical Equations

Front

What does the Law of Conservation of Mass state?

Back

Matter cannot be gained or lost in a chemical reaction.

Front

Balance this equation: __CH₄ + __O₂ --> __CO₂ + __H₂O

Back

1,2,1,2

Front

Balance this reaction: __KNO₃ --> __KNO₂ + __O₂. What coefficients are needed?

Back

2, 2, 1

Front

How many atoms are there TOTAL in: H₂SO₄?

Back

7

Front

What is the little number after an element in a chemical equation called? Example: H₂

Back

Subscript

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the equation.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To adjust the coefficients so that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides.

Front

What is the difference between a coefficient and a subscript?

Back

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

Front

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of propane (C₃H₈)?

Back

C₃H₈ + 5O₂ --> 3CO₂ + 4H₂O