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Questions and Answers
Why is it essential to balance chemical equations?
Why is it essential to balance chemical equations?
- To ensure the reaction proceeds quickly.
- To change the properties of the reactants.
- To comply with the law of conservation of mass. (correct)
- To make the equation look aesthetically pleasing.
Changing the subscripts of a compound is a valid method for balancing chemical equations.
Changing the subscripts of a compound is a valid method for balancing chemical equations.
False (B)
What are the numbers in front of chemical formulas in a balanced equation called, and what do they represent?
What are the numbers in front of chemical formulas in a balanced equation called, and what do they represent?
Coefficients; the number of molecules of each substance.
In the balanced equation $2H_2 + O_2 -> 2H_2O$, the coefficient for oxygen is understood to be _______.
In the balanced equation $2H_2 + O_2 -> 2H_2O$, the coefficient for oxygen is understood to be _______.
Match the unbalanced equation with the correct step to balance it:
Match the unbalanced equation with the correct step to balance it:
Which of the following actions would NOT be a part of balancing a chemical equation?
Which of the following actions would NOT be a part of balancing a chemical equation?
A balanced chemical equation has the same number of molecules on both sides of the equation.
A balanced chemical equation has the same number of molecules on both sides of the equation.
Explain why the equation $H_2 + O_2 -> H_2O_2$ is not considered a balanced form of $H_2 + O_2 -> H_2O$.
Explain why the equation $H_2 + O_2 -> H_2O_2$ is not considered a balanced form of $H_2 + O_2 -> H_2O$.
Using a _______ can help keep track of the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation, assisting in balancing the chemical equation.
Using a _______ can help keep track of the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation, assisting in balancing the chemical equation.
Match each equation with its balanced form:
Match each equation with its balanced form:
In the process of balancing the equation $N_2 + H_2 -> NH_3$, what coefficient is placed in front of $NH_3$ to balance the nitrogen atoms?
In the process of balancing the equation $N_2 + H_2 -> NH_3$, what coefficient is placed in front of $NH_3$ to balance the nitrogen atoms?
An unbalanced chemical equation violates the principle of conservation of mass.
An unbalanced chemical equation violates the principle of conservation of mass.
Explain in your own words the purpose of balancing chemical equations.
Explain in your own words the purpose of balancing chemical equations.
When hydrogen gas and chlorine gas combine to form hydrochloric acid, the balanced form of the equation is $H_2 + Cl_2 ->$ _______.
When hydrogen gas and chlorine gas combine to form hydrochloric acid, the balanced form of the equation is $H_2 + Cl_2 ->$ _______.
If an equation is already balanced, what should you do if anything?
If an equation is already balanced, what should you do if anything?
Balancing chemical equations changes the nature of the chemical reaction.
Balancing chemical equations changes the nature of the chemical reaction.
What is the first step you should take when using a chart to balance an equation?
What is the first step you should take when using a chart to balance an equation?
In the equation $H_2 + O_2 -> H_2O$, adding another $H_2O$ molecule balances the _______ atoms but unbalances the _______ atoms.
In the equation $H_2 + O_2 -> H_2O$, adding another $H_2O$ molecule balances the _______ atoms but unbalances the _______ atoms.
Match each unbalanced equation correction with the balanced equation:
Match each unbalanced equation correction with the balanced equation:
Flashcards
Balancing Chemical Equations
Balancing Chemical Equations
Ensuring the count of each atom type is identical on both sides of a chemical equation.
Unbalanced Equation
Unbalanced Equation
A chemical equation in which the number of atoms for at least one element is not equal on both sides.
Balancing Process
Balancing Process
Adjusting the number of molecules in a chemical equation until the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides.
Coefficient
Coefficient
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Subscript Rule
Subscript Rule
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Balancing Charts
Balancing Charts
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Study Notes
Introduction to Balancing Chemical Equations
- Balancing chemical equations ensures the same number of each type of atom exists on both sides of the equation.
- An equation is unbalanced if the number of one or more types of atoms differs on either side of the arrow.
- Unbalanced equations must be balanced for problem-solving and calculations in chemistry.
- Balancing involves adjusting the number of molecules to achieve the same number of each type of atom on both sides.
Balancing Example 1: Hydrogen and Chlorine to Hydrochloric Acid
- Word equation: hydrogen gas and chlorine gas combine to make hydrochloric acid.
- Chemical equation: H2 + Cl2 -> HCl
- Unbalanced: There are two hydrogen atoms on the left but only one on the right, and two chlorine atoms on the left but only one on the right.
Balancing Example 1: The Balanced State
- To balance, add another HCl molecule for two hydrogen and two chlorine atoms on the product side.
- Balanced equation: H2 + Cl2 -> 2HCl (2 is the coefficient of HCl)
- The coefficient "2" in front of HCl indicates two molecules of hydrochloric acid.
Balancing Example 2: Hydrogen and Oxygen to Water
- Chemical equation: H2 + O2 -> H2O
- This equation is unbalanced as written because there are two oxygen atoms on the reactant side and only one on the product side.
- Adding another H2O molecule balances the oxygen, but unbalances the hydrogen (H2 + O2 -> 2H2O).
- Adding another H2 molecule balances hydrogen (2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O).
- Final balanced equation: 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O
Common Mistakes and Subscripts
- Subscripts cannot be changed when balancing equations; they define the compound.
- Changing subscripts changes the compound itself (e.g., H2O becomes hydrogen peroxide if it's changed to H2O2.) coefficients are the only thing that can modify an equation
- Only coefficients (numbers in front of compounds) can be used to balance equations.
Balancing Equations Using Charts
- Charts help track the number of atoms on each side of the equation for balancing.
- Write the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation in the chart.
- Adjust the coefficients of compounds to balance the number of atoms, updating the chart accordingly.
- Example: N2 + H2 -> NH3
- Initially, there are 2 N and 2 H on the left, and 1 N and 3 H on the right.
- Placing a 2 in front of NH3 gives 2 N and 6 H on the right. (N2 + H2 -> 2NH3)
- Then, place a 3 in front of H2 (3H2) to balance the hydrogen atoms i.e. 6 on left.
- Balanced equation: N2 + 3H2 -> 2NH3
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