Balancing Equations: Vocabulary (Practice Problems)

Vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms for balancing chemical equations based on the practice problems.

Coefficient

A number placed in front of a chemical formula to indicate the relative amount of that substance in the balanced equation; it multiplies the formula's subscripts.

Subscript

A small number written after an element within a chemical formula that shows how many atoms of that element are in one molecule; not changed when balancing equations.

Skeleton equation

The initial chemical equation showing reactants and products without ensuring atom balance.

Balanced equation

A chemical equation in which the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation.

Law of conservation of mass

In a chemical reaction, matter is conserved; the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

Reactants

Substances on the left side of a chemical equation that undergo chemical change.

Products

Substances on the right side of a chemical equation that are formed by the reaction.

Stoichiometry

The calculation of quantitative relationships in chemical reactions using a balanced equation to relate amounts of reactants and products.

Balancing by inspection

A common method of balancing equations by adjusting coefficients one at a time until atom counts match on both sides.

Molar ratio

The ratio of moles of reactants and products given by the coefficients in a balanced equation; used to convert between substances.

Combustion reaction

A reaction, typically involving a fuel reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Synthesis reaction

A reaction in which two or more substances combine to form a single product.

Decomposition reaction

A reaction in which one compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances.