Balancing Chemical Equations Practice

In this video, Dr. B demonstrates how to balance the chemical equation Na + P4 → Na3P4. The process begins by counting the atoms on each side of the equation. Initially, there is one sodium and four phosphorus atoms on the reactant side, and three sodium and one phosphorus atom on the product side. The video explains how to balance phosphorus first by adding a coefficient of four to Na3P4, resulting in four phosphorus atoms on both sides. This adjustment also affects sodium, increasing it to twelve atoms. Finally, the sodium is balanced by placing a coefficient of twelve in front of Na. The video concludes with a tip to leave elements that appear alone until the end when balancing equations.

What is the initial number of sodium atoms on the reactant side of the equation Na + P4 → Na3P4?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

How many phosphorus atoms are present on the product side of the equation before balancing?

• One

• Two

• Four

• Three

What coefficient is added in front of Na3P to balance the phosphorus atoms?

• Five

• Four

• Three

• Two

After balancing phosphorus, how many sodium atoms are needed on the reactant side?

• Six

• Twelve

• Fifteen

• Nine

What is the final coefficient in front of sodium to balance the equation?

• Eight

• Ten

• Twelve

• Fourteen

What strategy is suggested for balancing equations with single atoms?

• Balance them first

• Leave them for last

• Ignore them

• Double their count