Balancing Equations
Chemical Reactions
How we balance equations
To balance an equation you have to make sure that the number of atoms on the left side of the equation equals the number of atoms on the right. You know the reactants and the product for this reaction, and you can't change them.
Why do we balance equations?
The chemical equation needs to be balanced so that it follows the law of conservation of mass. A balanced chemical equation occurs when the number of the different atoms of elements in the reactants side is equal to that of the products side.
Three Types of Reactions
Endothermic Reaction
The term endothermic process describes a process or reaction in which the system absorbs energy from its surroundings; usually, but not always, in the form of heat.
Exothermic Reaction
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy by light or heat. It is the opposite of an endothermic reaction. Expressed in a chemical equation: reactants → products + energy.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy, normally from the Sun, into chemical energy that can be later released to fuel the organisms' activities