Balancing chemical equations flashcards

What is a balanced equation?

A balanced equation shows equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides.

Difference between reactants and products

Reactants are substances that undergo a reaction, while products are what is produced.

True or false: Balancing equations requires equal mass.

True, because of the Law of Conservation of Mass.

What are coefficients in a chemical equation?

Coefficients are numbers placed before compounds to balance the equation.

Fill in the blank: \displaystyle H_2 + O_2 ightarrow ___ H_2O

2 H2O. You need 2 to balance oxygen.

What is the first step in balancing?

Identify and count all the atoms of each element in the reactants and products.

True or false: Only products can be changed to balance an equation.

False, because coefficients of reactants and products can be adjusted.

What does the law of conservation of mass state?

Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Difference between single and double displacement reactions

Single displacement has one element replace another, while double displacement involves two compounds exchanging elements.

What are the steps to balance $\displaystyle Fe + O_2 ightarrow Fe_2O_3$?

1. Count atoms. 2. Adjust coefficients to equalize atom counts.

What does a skeletal equation represent?

It shows the reactants and products without balancing the equation.

Example of a synthesis reaction

A + B → AB, where two elements combine to form a compound.

Question: How do you balance $\displaystyle C_3H_8 + O_2 ightarrow CO_2 + H_2O$?

Adjust coefficients to give 3 CO2 and 4 H2O, then balance O2.

True or false: Balancing equations can change the chemical identities.

False, because balancing does not alter the substances themselves.

What does it mean to balance an equation?

Ensuring the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides.

Fill in the blank: The equation \displaystyle ___ Na + Cl_2 ightarrow NaCl is balanced with ___ Na.

2 Na. You need 2 to balance.

What is a combustion reaction?

A reaction where a substance combines with oxygen, releasing energy.

Difference between endothermic and exothermic reactions

Endothermic absorbs heat, exothermic releases heat during the reaction.

Question: Why do we use coefficients instead of changing subscripts?

Changing subscripts alters the compounds, while coefficients maintain their identity.