All Flashcards
What is the difference between changing coefficients and subscripts in chemical equations?
Coefficients change the amount of a substance; subscripts change the identity of the compound.
What are the general steps to balancing chemical equations?
- Check initial balance. 2. Focus on balanced elements. 3. Balance elements in single compounds. 4. Balance elements in multiple compounds. 5. Double-check.
What is the first step in balancing a chemical equation?
Check the initial balance of each element on both sides of the equation to see which elements are not balanced.
What should you do after balancing elements in single compounds?
Balance elements that appear in multiple compounds on either side of the equation, adjusting coefficients as needed.
What is the final step in balancing a chemical equation?
Double-check that all elements are balanced, ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Define Law of Conservation of Mass.
Matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction; the number of atoms of each element must be the the same on both sides of the equation.
What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?
A number placed in front of a chemical formula in a chemical equation to indicate how many molecules or moles of that substance are involved in the reaction.
What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?
To ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, adhering to the Law of Conservation of Mass.