Balancing Chemical Equations

Question 1

What is the terminology regarding the elements on either sides of the arrow?

Answer 1

The elements you begin with are called the reactents. The elements that are the result, are known as the products.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the arrow?

Answer 2

To show the reactents react completely to form the products.

Question 3

What are the rules of balancing chemical equations?

Answer 3

1. You can’t change any of the little numbers. This is because doing so would change the actual type of chemicals in the equation. Instead we change the big numbers, as they dictate how many of that substance there is.
2. We need to keep to whole numbers.
3. Try to balance the least common elements first?

Question 4

Balance this chemical equation: CH(mini 4) + O(mini 2) -> CO(mini 2) + H(mini 2)O

Answer 4

CH(mini 4) + 2O(mini 2) -> CO(mini 2) + 2H(mini 2)O

Question 5

What is combustion (burning)?

Answer 5

Combustion (burning) is a chemical reaction in which a fuel reacts with oxygen toproducecarbon dioxide and water.

Question 6

What does incomplete combustion produce?

Answer 6

Incomplete combustion (where there is not enough oxygen) produces carbon monoxide, carbon and water – not carbon monoxide and water only.