Balancing chemical reactions

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What are reactants in a chemical reaction?

Back

Reactants are the substances that undergo a chemical change in a reaction, found on the left side of a chemical equation.

Front

What are products in a chemical reaction?

Back

Products are the substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction, found on the right side of a chemical equation.

Front

What does the law of conservation of mass state?

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 determine the number of atoms in a molecule?

Back

The number of atoms in a molecule is determined by the subscripts in its chemical formula; for example, H2O has 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

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

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the arrow in a chemical equation?

Back

The arrow in a chemical equation indicates the direction of the reaction, showing the conversion of reactants to products.

Front

What is a diatomic molecule?

Back

A diatomic molecule is a molecule composed of two atoms, which can be of the same or different elements, such as O2 or HCl.

Front

What is the role of oxygen in combustion reactions?

Back

Oxygen acts as a reactant in combustion reactions, where it combines with a fuel to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water.