Word & Balanced Equations Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

Complete the general word equation: metal + acid → ?

salt + hydrogen
e.g. sodium + hydrochloric acid → sodium chloride + hydrogen

Complete the general word equation: metal carbonate + acid → ?

salt + carbon dioxide + water

What are the steps to turn a word equation into a balanced symbol equation?
e.g. hydrogen + chlorine → hydrogen chloride

1. Write the correct formulae: $H_2 + Cl_2 \rightarrow HCl$
2. Count the atoms of each element on both sides: 2 H and 2 Cl on the left, 1 H and 1 Cl on the right
3. Put big numbers in front of formulae until they match: $H_2 + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2HCl$

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

(s) solid, (l) liquid, (g) gas, (aq) aqueous — dissolved in water.

True or false? To balance an equation you may change the small subscript numbers inside a formula.

False. Only the big numbers in front of formulae may be changed; changing a subscript changes the substance.