Understanding Chemical Equations and Balancing

A series of flashcards covering key concepts related to chemical equations, their components, and balancing techniques.

Chemical equation

A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction using chemical formulas.

Reactant

The starting material (SM) that undergoes change in a chemical reaction.

Product

The substance that results from a chemical reaction.

Common states of matter

The states are represented as (g) for gas, (l) for liquid, (s) for solid, and (aq) for aqueous solution.

Gas evolution

Indicated by the symbol ‐ during the course of a reaction.

Precipitation

Indicated by the symbol ¯, referring to the formation of a solid from a solution.

Catalyst

A substance that speeds up the reaction without undergoing an overall change itself.

Reaction conditions

Specific conditions such as temperature, pressure, solvent, and reaction time, and general conditions like heat (D), light (hn), and electrical current.

Coefficient

The number before a substance formula in an equation, indicating the relative mole amount of each reactant and product.

Balanced equation

An equation where the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides.

Balancing method - Inspection

A trial-and-error method starting with atoms represented only in one substance on each side.

Half-rxns

A method that works well for balancing complex redox reactions.

Example 1: Iron and Carbon reaction

Fe2O3 (s) + CO (g) → Fe (s) + CO2 (g).

Example 2: Methane combustion

CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O.

Example 3: Iron and Sulfuric Acid reaction

Fe + H2SO4 → Fe2(SO4)3 + H2.

Example 4: Silver Nitrate and Aluminum Bromide reaction

AgNO3 + AlBr3 → Al(NO3)3 + AgBr.