Balancing Equations

Front

What is balancing equations?

Back

Balancing equations is the process of ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of a chemical equation, reflecting the law of conservation of mass.

Front

What are coefficients in a chemical equation?

Back

Coefficients are the numbers placed in front of compounds in a chemical equation to indicate how many molecules or moles of that substance are involved in the reaction.

Front

What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

Back

A subscript is a small number written to the lower right of an element symbol in a chemical formula, indicating the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

How do you determine if a chemical equation is balanced?

Back

A chemical equation is balanced if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of aluminum and iron(III) oxide?

Back

4Al + 3Fe2O3 → 2Al2O3 + 6Fe.

Front

How many atoms of hydrogen are in H2O?

Back

There are 2 atoms of hydrogen in one molecule of H2O.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

The purpose is to ensure that the mass and number of atoms are conserved in a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the reaction of magnesium and hydrochloric acid?

Back

Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2.

Front

What does the law of conservation of mass state?

Back

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the coefficient for aluminum in the balanced equation 4Al + 3Fe2O3 → 2Al2O3 + 6Fe?

Back

The coefficient for aluminum is 4.