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.

Front

What is an unbalanced equation?

Back

An unbalanced equation does not have the same number of each type of atom on both sides.

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.

Front

What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

Back

The large number to the left of a formula that indicates how many molecules or moles of that substance are present.

Front

What does it mean to balance a chemical equation?

Back

To adjust the coefficients in a chemical equation so that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

Back

To obey the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Write down the number of atoms of each element present in the reactants and products.

Front

What is the significance of the subscripts in a chemical formula?

Back

Subscripts indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Front

How do you balance the equation: H₂ + O₂ → H₂O?

Back

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O.

Front

What is the role of the law of conservation of mass in balancing equations?

Back

It ensures that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.