Balancing and reaction types

Front

What is a Single Displacement Reaction?

Back

A reaction where one element replaces another in a compound, e.g., 3Ca + 2AlCl3 → 3CaCl2 + 2Al.

Front

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

Back

A balanced equation has the same number of each type of atom on both sides, indicating conservation of mass.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

The large number to the left of a formula that indicates how many molecules or moles of that substance are present.

Front

What is a Synthesis Reaction?

Back

A reaction where two or more substances combine to form a single product, e.g., 3Mg + N2 → Mg3N2.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To ensure that the law of conservation of mass is followed, meaning atoms are neither created nor destroyed.

Front

What is a Decomposition Reaction?

Back

A reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler products, e.g., 2H2O → 2H2 + O2.

Front

What is a Double Displacement Reaction?

Back

A reaction where two compounds exchange ions or bonds to form two new compounds, e.g., AB + CD → AD + CB.

Front

What is the role of subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule, e.g., in H2O, there are 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

Front

How do you determine the number of moles in a balanced equation?

Back

By using the coefficients in front of each compound in the balanced equation.

Front

What is a Combustion Reaction?

Back

A reaction where a substance combines with oxygen, releasing energy, typically producing CO2 and H2O.