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

What are reactants in a chemical reaction?

Back

Reactants are the starting substances in a chemical reaction that undergo change to form products.

Front

What are products in a chemical reaction?

Back

Products are the substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Back

To balance a chemical equation, adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure the same number of each type of atom 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.

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What is a subscript in a chemical formula?

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A subscript is a number written below and to the right of a chemical symbol that indicates the number of atoms of that element in a molecule.

Front

What is the significance of balancing chemical equations?

Back

Balancing chemical equations is important because it reflects the conservation of mass and allows for accurate stoichiometric calculations.

Front

What is a skeletal equation?

Back

A skeletal equation is a chemical equation that shows the reactants and products but not the coefficients needed to balance it.

Front

What is the difference between a synthesis reaction and a decomposition reaction?

Back

A synthesis reaction involves two or more reactants combining to form a single product, while a decomposition reaction involves a single compound breaking down into two or more products.