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Questions and Answers
Why is it important to balance a chemical equation?
When balancing an equation, you should always change the subscripts in a chemical formula to make the equation balanced.
False
When balancing elements, start with elements that appear in the greatest number of _________________.
formulas
What is the first step in balancing an equation?
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Match the following steps to balance an equation with their descriptions:
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What is the purpose of adding coefficients to an equation?
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What is a common mistake when balancing an equation?
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When balancing an equation, you should always use the largest possible coefficients.
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Study Notes
Balancing Equations
Why Balance Equations?
- To ensure the law of conservation of mass is obeyed
- To accurately represent the reactants and products in a chemical reaction
Steps to Balance an Equation
- Write the unbalanced equation: Start with the reactants on the left and products on the right, using the correct chemical formulas.
- Count the atoms: Identify the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
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Balance the atoms: Add coefficients (numbers in front of formulas) to balance the number of atoms of each element.
- Start with elements that appear in only one formula on each side.
- Balance polyatomic ions (e.g., SO4) as a single unit.
- Check the equation: Verify that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.
Tips for Balancing Equations
- Balance elements that appear in the greatest number of formulas first.
- Use the smallest possible coefficients.
- Never change the subscripts (numbers inside formulas) in a chemical formula.
- Check the equation multiple times to ensure accuracy.
Example: Balancing the Equation for Combustion of Methane
Unbalanced equation: CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
Balanced equation: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to balance all elements: Make sure to check all elements, not just the most obvious ones.
- Using the wrong coefficients: Use the smallest possible coefficients to avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Changing subscripts: Never change the subscripts in a chemical formula, as it alters the identity of the compound.
Balancing Equations
Why Balance Equations?
- Balancing equations ensures the law of conservation of mass is obeyed
- Balancing equations provides an accurate representation of reactants and products in a chemical reaction
Steps to Balance an Equation
- Write the unbalanced equation with reactants on the left and products on the right using correct chemical formulas
- Count the atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides
- Balance the atoms by adding coefficients to balance the number of atoms of each element
- Start with elements that appear in only one formula on each side
- Balance polyatomic ions (e.g., SO4) as a single unit
- Check the equation to verify that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides
Tips for Balancing Equations
- Balance elements that appear in the greatest number of formulas first
- Use the smallest possible coefficients
- Never change the subscripts (numbers inside formulas) in a chemical formula
- Check the equation multiple times to ensure accuracy
Example: Balancing the Equation for Combustion of Methane
- Unbalanced equation: CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
- Balanced equation: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to balance all elements
- Using the wrong coefficients
- Changing subscripts, which alters the identity of the compound
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Description
Learn how to balance chemical equations to ensure the law of conservation of mass and accurately represent reactants and products in a chemical reaction.
