Balancing chemical equations

Front

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Back

A balanced chemical 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

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients (the numbers in front of the compounds) to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same 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

What does the coefficient in a chemical equation represent?

Back

The coefficient represents the number of molecules or moles of a substance involved in the reaction.

Front

What is the difference between a reactant and a product?

Back

Reactants are the starting substances in a chemical reaction, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction.

Front

How many atoms of oxygen are in the compound Al₂O₃?

Back

There are 3 atoms of oxygen in the compound Al₂O₃.

Front

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

Back

2Na + Cl₂ → 2NaCl.

Front

What is an unbalanced chemical equation?

Back

An unbalanced chemical equation does not have the same number of each type of atom on both sides, indicating that the reaction is not properly represented.

Front

What is the balanced equation for the decomposition of aluminum oxide?

Back

2Al₂O₃ → 4Al + 3O₂.

Front

How do you identify an unbalanced equation?

Back

An unbalanced equation can be identified by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides and finding discrepancies.