balancing chemicals

• What does a chemical formula represent?

  The composition of a compound
• What do capital letters in a chemical formula indicate?

  They represent elements
• How many elements are in sodium carbonate?

  Three elements
• What does the small number next to an element in a chemical formula indicate?

  The number of atoms of that element
• How many sodium atoms are in sodium carbonate?

  Two sodium atoms
• How many carbon atoms are in sodium carbonate?

  One carbon atom
• How many oxygen atoms are in sodium carbonate?

  Three oxygen atoms
• Why is it important not to change the small numbers in a chemical formula?

  It produces a different molecule
• What does placing a large number in front of a chemical formula indicate?

  The number of molecules of that compound
• What is the balanced equation for calcium plus chlorine?

  Calcium plus chlorine makes calcium chloride
• How can you tell if a chemical equation is balanced?

  The number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides
• In the equation sodium plus iodine making sodium iodide, how many iodine atoms are on the left side?

  Two iodine atoms
• What do you need to do to balance the iodine atoms in the equation sodium plus iodine making sodium iodide?

  Add a large number in front of sodium iodide
• After balancing the iodine in the equation, what happens to the sodium atoms?

  There are now two sodium atoms on the right side
• What is typically asked in an exam regarding balancing chemical equations?

  You are usually asked to balance one part of the equation
• How do you balance the equation calcium oxide plus hydrochloric acid produces calcium chloride plus water?

  • Count atoms on both sides
  • Place a large 2 in front of hydrochloric acid
  • Ensure all elements are balanced
• In the reaction of iron oxide with carbon monoxide, how many atoms of iron are on the left side?

  Two atoms of iron
• What do you need to add to balance the carbon and oxygen in the reaction of iron oxide with carbon monoxide?

  Add a large 3 in front of carbon monoxide
• What are the steps to balance a chemical equation?

  1. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides
  2. Adjust coefficients (large numbers) to balance the atoms
  3. Ensure all elements have the same number of atoms on both sides
• What is the final goal when balancing chemical equations?

  To have equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides