Chemical Equations Flashcards
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table (12 cards)
What is a word equation in chemistry?
A way to show a chemical reaction using words instead of symbols
Example: methane + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water
What are reactants in a chemical equation?
The molecules on the left-hand side of the equation
They react with each other
What are products in a chemical equation?
The molecules on the right-hand side of the equation
They are produced from the reactants
What is a symbol equation?
A shorthand representation of a chemical reaction using symbols or formulas of reactants and products
Example: 2Mg + O2 -> 2MgO
What must be true for a chemical equation to be balanced?
There must always be the same number of atoms on both sides
Atoms cannot just disappear
How do you balance a chemical equation?
By putting numbers in front of the formulas where needed
You cannot change the formulas themselves
What is the balanced equation for reacting sulfuric acid with sodium hydroxide?
H2SO4 + 2NaOH -> Na2SO4 + 2H2O
This equation balances the number of atoms on both sides
True or False: You can change the chemical formula while balancing an equation.
False
You can only add coefficients, not change the formulas
Fill in the blank: The left-hand side of a chemical equation contains the _______.
reactants
Fill in the blank: The right-hand side of a chemical equation contains the _______.
products
What should you do if you encounter an unbalanced element while balancing an equation?
Pencil in a number to try and balance it
Continue adjusting until all elements are balanced
What example illustrates the balancing of hydrogen atoms in a chemical equation?
Using 2H2O instead of H2O to balance hydrogen atoms
Adjustments must be made to maintain balance
