Balancing Chemical Equations
Related Examples and Practice Problems
Additional Worked Out Examples/ Practice
Identifying classification types: Differentiation between elements, compounds or mixtures and homogeneous and heterogenous mixtures
Separation techniques: Selected and explaining limitation of appropriate separation
Relating Properties to Composition: Predicting classification based on descriptive properties
Topic Summary & Highlights
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Core Concept
Balancing chemical equations is essential for understanding reactions because it ensures that the law of conservation of mass is satisfied — the total number of atoms for each element must be the same on both sides of the equation.
Practice Tips
Only Adjust Coefficients: Never change subscripts in a chemical formula to balance an equation, as this changes the substance.
Start with Elements in a Single Compound: Begin by balancing elements that appear in only one reactant and one product to simplify the process.
Check for the Lowest Whole-Number Coefficients: If all coefficients can be divided by a common factor, simplify them.
Polyatomic Ions as Units: If a polyatomic ion appears unchanged on both sides, treat it as a single unit to balance it more easily.
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LABORATORY
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DEMONSTRATIONS
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Core Concept
Why Balance Chemical Equations?
In a chemical reaction, atoms are neither created nor destroyed; they are simply rearranged. Balancing an equation ensures that each atom in the reactants has a corresponding atom in the products.