Equations Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

What is a word equation?

An equation giving the names of the reactants on the left of the arrow and the names of the products on the right.

In a balanced symbol equation, what must be the same on both sides?

The number of atoms of each element.

What are the steps to balance a symbol equation?
e.g. $H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O$

1. Count the atoms of each element on both sides: 2 O on the left, 1 O on the right.
2. Put large numbers in front of formulae to even them up: $H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$.
3. Recount and adjust: $2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$.

True or false? You can balance an equation by changing the small subscript numbers inside a formula.

False. Only the large numbers in front of formulae may be changed; subscripts would change the substance.

What do the state symbols $(s)$, $(l)$, $(g)$ and $(aq)$ mean?

Solid, liquid, gas and aqueous (dissolved in water).