15 Questions
In a balanced chemical equation, why is it important to have the same number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product side?
To show the law of conservation of mass is obeyed
What is the purpose of adding coefficients to each chemical in a chemical equation?
To balance the number of atoms of each element
Why is it necessary to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product side when balancing a chemical equation?
To verify that the equation is balanced
In the process of balancing a chemical equation, what should be changed to balance the equation?
Coefficient numbers
Why is it important to understand how to balance chemical equations?
To follow the law of conservation of mass
What is the purpose of putting the coefficient in front of sodium hydroxide in a chemical equation?
To balance the oxygen and hydrogen atoms
In the reaction between potassium and carbon dioxide, why is a coefficient of 2 placed in front of carbon dioxide?
To balance the carbon atoms
What would happen if a coefficient was placed in front of hydrogen gas to balance its atoms?
It would unbalance the hydrogen atoms
Why is it necessary to conduct a final check of a balanced chemical reaction?
To ensure all elements are balanced
How does balancing the elements in a chemical equation impact the reaction?
It ensures conservation of mass
Why is it important to have a balanced chemical equation?
To ensure that each element is accounted for in the reaction
What does the law of conservation of matter state?
Matter can only be rearranged but not destroyed
What purpose do coefficients serve in a chemical equation?
Represent the number of molecules or moles of each chemical in the reaction ratio
How can you change the number of molecules used in a chemical equation?
By using coefficients before the chemicals
In a balanced chemical equation, if there are 7 molecules of hydrogen on the reactant side, how many molecules of hydrogen should be on the product side?
7
Study Notes
What is a Balanced Chemical Equation?
- A balanced chemical equation is a formula showing the ratio of each of the reactants and each of the products.
- It ensures that each element on the reactant side has an equal amount on the product side.
Characteristics of a Balanced Chemical Equation
- The number of atoms of each element is the same on the reactant and product sides.
- The coefficients (whole numbers) before each chemical are used to balance the equation.
- The coefficients tell how many molecules or moles of each chemical are used in the reaction ratio.
Steps to Balance a Chemical Equation
- Change a word equation into a formula.
- Balance each atom one at a time.
- First, balance any atoms that appear in only a single molecule on the product and reactant side.
- Balance any non-hydrogen or oxygen atoms.
- Balance hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
- Count the atoms on the reactant and product side to check that the equation is balanced.
Important Points to Remember
- When balancing a chemical equation, only change the coefficient numbers, do not change the subscript numbers.
- The order of balancing atoms is not critical, but the order presented is typically the easiest method.
- Balancing a chemical equation often requires trial and error to find the right coefficients.
Examples of Balancing Chemical Equations
Example 1: Sodium and Water React to Form Sodium Hydroxide and Hydrogen Gas
- The unbalanced equation: Na + H2O → NaOH + H2
- The balanced equation: 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2
Example 2: Potassium and Carbon Dioxide React to Form Potassium Oxalate
- The unbalanced equation: K + CO2 → K2C2O4
- The balanced equation: 2K + 2CO2 → K2C2O4
Learn how to balance chemical equations by ensuring each element on the reactant side has an equal amount on the product side. Understanding this process is crucial for applying the law of conservation of matter in chemistry.
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