Balancing Equations

Front

What is a balanced equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation means to adjust the coefficients in front of the compounds so that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.

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 many hydrogen atoms are in the equation: 2 H₂ + O₂ -> 2 H₂O?

Back

There are 4 hydrogen atoms on the left side and 4 on the right side, making the equation balanced.

Front

What is the coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

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

Front

How do you determine if an equation is balanced?

Back

Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. If they are equal, the equation is balanced.

Front

What is the balanced form of the equation: Li + Cl₂ -> ?

Back

2Li + Cl₂ -> 2LiCl.

Front

What is the total number of oxygen atoms in 4 H₂O?

Back

There are 4 oxygen atoms in 4 H₂O.

Front

What does it mean if an equation is unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced equation has a different number of atoms of one or more elements on each side, indicating that mass is not conserved.

Front

How many aluminum atoms are in the equation: 4Al + 3O₂ -> 2Al₂O₃?

Back

There are 4 aluminum atoms on the left side and 4 on the right side, making the equation balanced.