09. Balancing 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 the reaction.

Front

How do you determine the number of atoms in a compound?

Back

To find the total number of atoms in a compound, add the subscripts of each element in the chemical formula.

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 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

What type of reaction is represented by the equation: 2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O?

Back

This is a combination reaction, where two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

Front

What is a combustion reaction?

Back

A combustion reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance combines with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of light or heat.

Front

What is a decomposition reaction?

Back

A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler products.

Front

What is a single replacement reaction?

Back

A single replacement reaction is a chemical reaction where one element replaces another element in a compound.

Front

What is a double replacement reaction?

Back

A double replacement reaction is a chemical reaction where the anions and cations of two different compounds switch places, forming two new compounds.

Front

How do you identify the number of a specific atom in a compound?

Back

To identify the number of a specific atom in a compound, look at the subscript next to the element's symbol in the chemical formula.