Writing simple balanced chemical equations

Question 1

What is a balanced chemical equation?

Answer 1

A balanced chemical equation has the same number of each type of atom on both the reactant and product sides.

Question 2

True or False: In a balanced equation, the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The law of __________ states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Answer 3

conservation of mass

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct balanced equation for the combustion of methane (CH4)?
A) CH4 + 2 O2 -> CO2 + 2 H2O
B) CH4 + O2 -> CO2 + H2O
C) CH4 + 3 O2 -> 2 CO2 + 2 H2O

Answer 4

A) CH4 + 2 O2 -> CO2 + 2 H2O

Question 5

What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?

Answer 5

Identify the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products.