Chemical equations

• How are chemical changes shown?

  Using chemical equations
• What is an example of a word equation for a chemical reaction?

  Methane + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water
• What do symbol equations show?

  The symbols or formulas of the reactants and products
• What must be true about the number of atoms in a balanced equation?

  There must always be the same number of atoms on both sides
• How do you balance a chemical equation?

  By putting numbers in front of the formulas where needed
• In the equation H₂SO₄ + NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + H₂O, what is the issue with the number of hydrogen atoms?

  There are not enough hydrogen atoms on the right-hand side
• What is the first step to balance the equation H₂SO₄ + NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + H₂O?

  Make it 2H₂O instead of just H₂O
• After adjusting the equation to H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O, what happens to the balance of atoms?

  Everything balances out
• What is the process of balancing chemical equations?

  • Identify unbalanced elements
  • Pencil in a number to balance
  • Adjust as necessary until all elements are balanced
  • Practice to improve speed and accuracy
• What is the word equation for the reaction where water splits apart into hydrogen and oxygen molecules?

  Water → hydrogen + oxygen
• What is the balanced symbol equation for the reaction where water splits apart?

  2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂
• What is the example equation given for balancing: Fe + Cl₂ → ?

  • Balance the equation to: 2Fe + 3Cl₂ → 2FeCl₃
• What is the importance of practicing balancing chemical equations?

  • Helps in mastering the concept
  • Reduces fear of complexity
  • Essential for understanding chemical reactions