Balancing Chemical Equations Strategies

The video tutorial explains how to balance a neutralization reaction involving nitrous acid and barium hydroxide. It begins by counting the atoms on both the reactant and product sides, focusing on hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. The tutorial emphasizes leaving hydrogen and oxygen balancing until the end. It demonstrates the process of updating atom counts and adjusting coefficients to achieve a balanced equation. Key strategies include understanding the application of subscripts and coefficients in chemical equations. The tutorial concludes with a balanced equation and tips for balancing similar reactions.

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

• Change the subscripts of the compounds.

• Remove atoms from the equation.

• Add coefficients to balance the equation.

• Count the atoms on each side of the equation.

Why is it important to consider subscripts in parentheses when counting atoms?

• They only apply to the first element.

• They apply to all elements inside the parentheses.

• They can be ignored.

• They only apply to the last element.

How do you balance nitrogen atoms in the given reaction?

• Change the subscript of nitrogen.

• Add more nitrogen atoms to the reactants.

• Remove nitrogen atoms from the products.

• Adjust the coefficient of nitrous acid.

After balancing nitrogen, what is the next step?

• Recount all atoms and adjust hydrogen.

• Add more oxygen atoms.

• Change the subscript of hydrogen.

• Remove hydrogen atoms from the reactants.

What is the strategy for balancing hydrogen atoms in this reaction?

• Add more hydrogen atoms to the products.

• Remove hydrogen atoms from the reactants.

• Change the subscript of hydrogen.

• Adjust the coefficient of water.

How do you ensure the oxygen atoms are balanced?

• Add more oxygen atoms to the reactants.

• Change the subscript of oxygen.

• Adjust the coefficient of water.

• Remove oxygen atoms from the products.

What is a good strategy when balancing chemical equations?

• Leave hydrogen and oxygen atoms until last.

• Change the subscripts to balance the equation.

• Balance hydrogen and oxygen atoms first.

• Ignore subscripts in parentheses.

What does a subscript outside of parentheses indicate?

• It applies to all elements inside the parentheses.

• It can be ignored.

• It applies to the last element only.

• It applies to the first element only.

What is the final step in balancing a chemical equation?

• Ensure all atoms are balanced on both sides.

• Add more atoms to the products.

• Change the subscripts of the compounds.

• Remove atoms from the reactants.

What is the balanced equation for the reaction between HNO2 and Ba(OH)2?

• HNO2 + Ba(OH)2 → H2O + Ba(NO3)2

• 2HNO2 + Ba(OH)2 → H2O + Ba(NO3)2

• 2HNO2 + Ba(OH)2 → 2H2O + Ba(NO2)2

• HNO2 + 2Ba(OH)2 → H2O + Ba(NO2)2