Tips On Balancing Equations Flashcards
What is a balanced chemical equation?
A balanced chemical equation has equal numbers of each type of atom on both the reactant and product sides.
True or False: In balancing equations, you can change the subscripts of compounds.
False
What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?
Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products.
Fill in the blank: To balance an equation, you can only change the ________ in front of compounds.
coefficients
What does the law of conservation of mass state?
Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a method for balancing equations? A) Trial and error B) Changing subscripts C) Using coefficients
C) Using coefficients
What is the purpose of using coefficients in a chemical equation?
To indicate the relative amounts of reactants and products involved in the reaction.
True or False: You should balance metals before nonmetals in a chemical equation.
True
What is the balanced form of the equation H2 + O2 → H2O?
2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O
How do you handle polyatomic ions when balancing equations?
Treat polyatomic ions as a single unit if they appear unchanged on both sides.
Fill in the blank: The total charge must be ________ on both sides of a balanced equation.
equal
What is a common mistake when balancing equations?
Changing subscripts instead of coefficients.
Multiple Choice: When balancing the equation C3H8 + O2 → CO2 + H2O, which element should you balance first? A) Carbon B) Hydrogen C) Oxygen
A) Carbon
True or False: It is acceptable to leave a coefficient of 1 out of a balanced equation.
True
What should you do if an element appears in multiple compounds on one side of the equation?
Balance it last.
What is the role of a skeleton equation?
It shows the reactants and products without indicating the amounts.
Fill in the blank: The coefficients in a balanced equation represent the ________ of moles of each substance.
number
What is the balanced form of the combustion reaction of propane (C3H8)?
C3H8 + 5 O2 → 3 CO2 + 4 H2O
True or False: Balancing equations requires understanding of the types of chemical reactions.
True
What is the significance of balancing equations in chemistry?
It ensures that the law of conservation of mass is upheld.
Multiple Choice: Which equation is NOT balanced? A) 2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O B) C + O2 → CO2 C) 3 O2 + 2 H2 → H2O
C) 3 O2 + 2 H2 → H2O
What do you do if you have fractions as coefficients when balancing?
Multiply all coefficients by the denominator to eliminate the fraction.
Fill in the blank: A balanced equation provides information about the ________ of reactants and products.
quantities
What is the balanced form of the decomposition of water (2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2)?
2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2
