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What must be true for a chemical equation to be considered balanced?
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There must be the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.
What is an unbalanced chemical equation?
An equation where there are different numbers of one or more types of atoms on either side of the equation.
Why can changing the subscript in H₂O to H₂O₂ be problematic?
It changes the compound from water to hydrogen peroxide, altering the chemical identity.
What approach can reinforce balancing skills after initial introduction to the topic?
Engaging with practice problems and watching video resources for additional examples and exercises.
Describe how a chart can help in balancing chemical equations.
A chart helps list atoms on each side, track initial counts, and identify and adjust imbalances systematically.
In the reaction H₂ + Cl₂ → HCl, what initial step indicates the equation is unbalanced?
There is 1 hydrogen (H) atom and 1 chlorine (Cl) atom on the right side, but 2 of each on the left side.
After balancing H₂ + Cl₂ → HCl, what is the correct equation?
H₂ + Cl₂ → 2 HCl
Why is the equation H₂ + O₂ → H₂O initially unbalanced?
Because there are 2 oxygen atoms on the left and only 1 oxygen atom on the right.
What adjustments are made to balance the equation H₂ + O₂ → H₂O?
Change to 2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O by adding another H₂O molecule and adjusting H₂.
What is the role of coefficients in a balanced chemical equation?
Coefficients adjust the number of molecules so that the atoms on both sides of the equation are balanced.
What common mistake should be avoided while balancing chemical equations?
Changing subscripts within molecules instead of adjusting coefficients.
How is nitrogen balanced in the equation N₂ + H₂ → NH₃?
By placing a 2 in front of NH₃ to balance the number of nitrogen atoms.
What final balanced equation is achieved after correcting N₂ + H₂ → NH₃?
N₂ + 3 H₂ → 2 NH₃
How do you balance a chemical equation without changing the chemical identity of the compounds?
Adjust the coefficients in front of molecules instead of changing subscripts within a molecule.
How does adjusting coefficients in front of molecules differ from changing subscripts?
Adjusting coefficients changes the quantity of molecules without altering their chemical identity, while changing subscripts alters the chemical formula itself.
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