Balancing Chemical Reactions

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the law of conservation of mass?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it can only change forms.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean if a chemical equation is already balanced?

Back

If a chemical equation is already balanced, it means that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, and no further adjustments are needed.

Front

What is the significance of subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule; they are part of the chemical formula and cannot be changed when balancing equations.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of sodium and chlorine to form sodium chloride?

Back

2Na + 1Cl2 → 2NaCl.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide?

Back

2H2O2 → 2H2O + 1O2.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of magnesium chloride to form magnesium and chlorine gas?

Back

4MgCl2 → 1Mg4 + 4Cl2.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of glucose (C6H12O6)?

Back

1C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6H2O + 6CO2.