Balancing Equations Worksheet Answers (1-10) Explained
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Balancing equations is a fundamental concept in chemistry that allows us to understand chemical reactions quantitatively. A balanced equation ensures that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, adhering to the Law of Conservation of Mass. In this article, we will explore the answers to a Balancing Equations Worksheet, providing an explanation for each of the first ten equations.
Understanding Balancing Equations
What is a Chemical Equation? 🧪
A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction. It shows the reactants (starting substances) on the left side and the products (substances formed) on the right side. For example:
[ \text{Reactants} \rightarrow \text{Products} ]
Why Balance Equations? ⚖️
Balancing equations is crucial because it reflects the actual proportions of reactants and products involved in a reaction. It allows chemists to predict the outcomes of reactions, perform stoichiometric calculations, and maintain consistent data across experiments.
Balancing Equations Worksheet Answers Explained
Here's a breakdown of the first ten equations from a balancing equations worksheet, along with the answers and explanations for each.
Equation 1: H₂ + O₂ → H₂O
Answer: 2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O
Explanation: To balance the equation, we need two hydrogen molecules (H₂) for every one oxygen molecule (O₂) to produce two water molecules (H₂O). This ensures there are four hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms on both sides.
Equation 2: C + O₂ → CO₂
Answer: C + O₂ → CO₂
Explanation: This equation is already balanced. One carbon atom reacts with one molecule of oxygen to form one molecule of carbon dioxide.
Equation 3: Na + Cl₂ → NaCl
Answer: 2 Na + Cl₂ → 2 NaCl
Explanation: To balance this equation, we need two sodium (Na) atoms for every one molecule of chlorine (Cl₂) to produce two molecules of sodium chloride (NaCl).
Equation 4: Fe + O₂ → Fe₂O₃
Answer: 4 Fe + 3 O₂ → 2 Fe₂O₃
Explanation: We balance the iron and oxygen by using coefficients. Four iron atoms react with three oxygen molecules to produce two units of iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃).
Equation 5: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O
Answer: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O
Explanation: This equation is already balanced. One molecule of hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with one molecule of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form one molecule of sodium chloride (NaCl) and one molecule of water (H₂O).
Equation 6: C₃H₈ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
Answer: C₃H₈ + 5 O₂ → 3 CO₂ + 4 H₂O
Explanation: For every molecule of propane (C₃H₈), five molecules of oxygen (O₂) are required to produce three molecules of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and four molecules of water (H₂O).
Equation 7: Ca + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + H₂
Answer: Ca + 2 H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + H₂
Explanation: This equation balances by indicating that one calcium atom reacts with two water molecules to produce one molecule of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and one molecule of hydrogen gas (H₂).
Equation 8: Mg + HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂
Answer: Mg + 2 HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂
Explanation: Here, one magnesium (Mg) atom reacts with two molecules of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce one molecule of magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and one molecule of hydrogen gas (H₂).
Equation 9: Al + O₂ → Al₂O₃
Answer: 4 Al + 3 O₂ → 2 Al₂O₃
Explanation: Four aluminum (Al) atoms react with three oxygen (O₂) molecules to produce two units of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).
Equation 10: K + Br₂ → KBr
Answer: 2 K + Br₂ → 2 KBr
Explanation: We need two potassium (K) atoms to balance the reaction with one molecule of bromine (Br₂), producing two molecules of potassium bromide (KBr).
Summary of Balancing Equations
Balancing chemical equations is not just about adding coefficients; it involves understanding the relationship between reactants and products. Here's a quick reference table of the equations we’ve covered:
<table> <tr> <th>Equation</th> <th>Balanced Equation</th> </tr> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>C + O₂ → CO₂</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>2 Na + Cl₂ → 2 NaCl</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>4 Fe + 3 O₂ → 2 Fe₂O₃</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>C₃H₈ + 5 O₂ → 3 CO₂ + 4 H₂O</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Ca + 2 H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + H₂</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Mg + 2 HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>4 Al + 3 O₂ → 2 Al₂O₃</td> </tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>2 K + Br₂ → 2 KBr</td> </tr> </table>
Balancing equations requires practice, but with these guidelines, you can enhance your understanding of the concepts behind chemical reactions. Remember, each reaction is unique, so take your time to analyze and understand what each part of the equation represents!