Balancing Chemical Equations

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to balancing chemical equations, useful for understanding the fundamental principles of chemistry.

Chemical Reaction

A process in which substances (reactants) are transformed into different substances (products) through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds.

Reactants

The starting substances in a chemical reaction that undergo change.

Products

The substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Balanced Equation

An equation in which the number of atoms for each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides.

Coefficients

Numbers placed in front of compounds in a chemical equation to indicate the number of molecules or moles of each substance involved.

Subscript

A small number written at the bottom of and to the right of a chemical symbol in a formula that indicates the number of atoms of an element in a molecule.

Chemical Symbol

One or two letters representing an element, where the first letter is always capitalized.

Decomposition Reaction

A type of chemical reaction where one reactant breaks down into two or more products.

Synthesis Reaction

A type of chemical reaction in which two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex product.

Single Replacement Reaction

A chemical reaction where one element takes the place of another element in a compound.

Double Replacement Reaction

A chemical reaction where the ions of two compounds exchange places in an aqueous solution to form two new compounds.

Combustion Reaction

A high-energy reaction that occurs when a substance combines with oxygen to produce heat and light, typically releasing carbon dioxide and water.

Redox Reaction

A type of chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two substances, involving both reduction and oxidation.

aqueous solution (aq)

A solution in which the solvent is water.

oxidation

The process of losing electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom, or ion.

reduction

The process of gaining electrons during a reaction by a molecule, atom, or ion.

Law of Conservation of Mass

A principle stating that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, meaning the mass of reactants must equal the mass of products.