Understanding Chemical Equations

Front

What is a closed system in chemistry?

Back

A closed system is one where matter cannot enter from or escape to its surroundings.

Front

What is an open system in chemistry?

Back

An open system is one where matter can enter from or escape to its surroundings.

Front

What does the Law of Conservation of Mass state?

Back

The total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products.

Front

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Back

Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products.

Front

What should you do after using coefficients to balance atoms in a chemical equation?

Back

Check if the equation is balanced by counting atoms of each element.

Front

What is a 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.

Front

What is a reactant in a chemical reaction?

Back

A reactant is a substance that undergoes change during a chemical reaction.

Front

What is a product in a chemical reaction?

Back

A product is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the purpose of balancing a chemical equation?

Back

To ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Front

What happens to atoms during a chemical reaction?

Back

Atoms are rearranged to form new substances, but they are neither created nor destroyed.