Unit #1Unit #2Unit #3Unit #4Unit #5Unit #6Unit #7Unit #8Unit #9Unit #10
spacerUNIT # 8  
spacerspacerIntroduction
spacerspacerObjectives
spacerspacerReading


spacer8.1 Conventions
spacerand Symbols
spacer8.2 Balancing
spacerChemical
spacerEquations
spacer8.3 Methods of
spacerBalancing
spacerEquations
spacerBalance by Inspection
spacerBalance algebraically
spacer8.4 Types of
spacerChemical
spacerReactions
spacer8.5 Calculations
spacerBased on
spacerChemical
spacerEquations
spacerMole-mole calculations
spacerMass-mass calculations
spacerMass-mole calculations
spacerLimiting Reagent calculations


spacerProblems
spacer1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Unit #8 CHEMICAL REACTIONS

8.2 - Balancing Chemical Equations

A word equation tells us the identities of the reactants and products. A chemical equation that uses chemical symbols gives much more than the identities of the substances involved. It gives information about:

  • the chemical formulas
  • the coefficients gives us the proportional amounts of each substances involved
  • the physical states of each substances involved in the reaction

However, a chemical equation does not tell us how fast (or slow) the reaction proceeds. Nor does it show us how much heat is required or produced during the reaction.

The purpose of balancing a chemical equation is to make sure that

the number of atoms of each type on the LEFT-HAND-SIDE
=
 the number of atoms of each type on the RIGHT-HAND-SIDE

Why is this important?
Remember the Law of Conservation of Mass?

In the balancing of chemical equations, we are only allowed to insert coefficients to make the number of each type of atoms on both sides of the equation equal. You are not allowed to change the subscripts in the chemical formulas of the compounds.

Section 9.3
Guidelines for Balancing Chemical Equations ..p219


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