Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Balancing equations means making sure there's an equal number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. This follows from the Law of Conservation of Mass which states that matter cannot be created nor destroyed.
The calculation involving relationships between quantities and their ratios in balanced equations - it’s like figuring out if we have enough players for our tug-of-war game!
Mole Ratio: The ratio between amounts in moles of any two compounds involved in a chemical reaction - it's like comparing the strength of each player in our tug-of-war game.
These are reactions where oxidation and reduction occur, often requiring balancing to account for changes in oxidation state - it’s like adding a new rule to our tug-of-war game where players can switch sides.