DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

REGION III
Schools Division of Cabanatuan City
Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City

Chemical Reactions and

Chemical Equations

GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1

Writer: Eufrosina T. Cebanes (Teacher II, Camp Tinio National High

School)

Project EL AR:
Enhance Learning
11
SHS
thru Adequate Resources
 GUIDE FOR THE LEARNER, PARENTS,
GUARDIANS AND LEARNING FACILITATOR

To You, Learner:

Welcome to General Chemistry 1- Grade 11 Self-Learning Module (SLM) on

Chemical Reactions and Chemical Equations! This module was made to give you with fun
and meaningful time for guided and independent learning at your convenience. You will
be able to process the contents of this Module while being an active learner.

To You, Parent/s, Guardian/s and Learning Facilitator/s:

This Module was collaboratively developed and reviewed by the teachers, school
heads and supervisors of DepEd Division of Cabanatuan City to assist you in helping the
learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their different
constraints in schooling. As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how
to use this module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

This Module explains why the chemical reaction and chemical equation is balance.
This topic is important to recognize the reactants and products of an equation and derive
pertinent information from a balanced chemical equation.

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 OBJECTIVES

1. Write and balance chemical equations; and

2. Derive pertinent information from a balanced chemical equation.

COMPETENCY

Write equations for chemical reactions and balance the equations.

STEM_GC11CR-If-g-34

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 WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

Direction: Write only the letter of the correct answer.

1. What group does an element with an oxidation number of -2 belongs?

a. 1
b. 2
c. 6
d. 7

2. The chemical reaction between a metal and nonmetal usually forms ionic
compounds. Which of the following is NOT ionic compound?
a. C6H12O6
b. MgBr2
c. AlCl3
d. NaCl

3. Which of the following represents the correct formula of a compound?

a. KCl
b. Ca(ClO3)3
c. NaBr2
d. Cu2O3

4. Which one of the given formulas is NOT correctly stated?

a. H2CO3
b. HNO3
c. HMnO4
d. H3PO5
e. None of these

5. What are the correct coefficients for the equation KClO3 → KCl + O2?
a. 2, 2, 3 ∆
b. 3, 2, 2
c. 2, 3, 2
d. 2, 1, 3

6. Which of the following is NOT correctly balanced?

a. Al + 3 HCl → AlCl3 + H2
b. HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O
c. 4 Fe + 3 O2 → 2 Fe2O3
d. N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3

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7. Balancing an equation involves adjusting _______________.
a. the subscripts
b. the coefficients
c. both subscripts and coefficients
d. the masses of reactants and products

8. Balanced chemical equations imply which of the following?

a. Numbers of molecules are conserved in chemical change.
b. Numbers of atoms are conserved in chemical change.
c. Volume is conserved in chemical change.
d. A and B

9. In the reaction: a BaCl 2 + b AgNO3 → c Ba(NO3)2 + d AgCl

What is the coefficient, d, of silver chloride in the balanced equation?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4

10. Which of the following equations is NOT balanced?

a. 4Al + 3O2 → 2Al 2O3
b. C2H6 + O2 → 2CO2 + 3H2O
c. 2KClO3 → 2KCl + O2
d. 4P4 + 5S8 → 4P4S10

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 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Presentation of the Lesson/Topic

In a chemical reaction, a substance (or substances) is converted to one or more new

substances. Chemical reactions follow the law of conservation of mass. No atoms are
created or destroyed; they are just rearranged. Meaning, the number of atoms of each
element in the reactant must be equal to the number of atoms of the elements in the
product. Chemists have a way of communicating chemical reactions. They represent
chemical reactions through chemical equations.
Consider the reaction of hydrogen gas (H2) with oxygen gas (O2) to yield water. The
reaction is illustrated by the figure below.

Credit: https://www.chapter3stoichiometry.pdf

We can represent this reaction through a chemical equation. The reactants (starting
substances) are placed on the left side. The products (substances produced) are placed on
the right. An arrow points towards the direction of the reaction. The equation must be
balanced so that the same number and types of atoms appear on the left and right side of
the equation. To balance, coefficients (numbers preceding the chemical formula) are used.
For additional information, the physical states of the reactants and products (s, l, g, for solid,
liquid, or gas, respectively) are indicated.

Hence, the balanced chemical equation is:

2 H2(g) + O2(g) → 2 H2O(l)

Check if the equation is balanced:

Reactants Products
H (4) H (4)
O (2) O (2)

Writing a Chemical Equation

Here are the things to remember about writing equations:

1. Elements that exist as diatomic molecules are written as follows: H 2, N2, O2, F2, Cl 2, Br2,
I2.
2. The reactant/s or starting material/s is/are, written on the left side of the equation (i.e.,
to the left of the arrow) while the product/ s or new substance/ s formed in the reaction
is/ are placed to the right side of the equation.

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 3. The sign, ➔, means 'yields' and shows the direction of the reaction. A double arrow, ↔, means
that the reaction is reversible and can go in both directions. The energy (e.g., heat, light,
electricity) that promotes the reaction is sometimes written above the arrow. And the
substance (e.g., enzyme) that promotes the reaction may be written above or below the
arrow.
4. The law of conservation of mass holds for every chemical reaction and therefore for every
chemical equation. This means that the number of atoms of each element in the reactants
must be equal to the number of atoms of the element in the product.
5. As mentioned earlier, the physical states of the substances may also be indicated using the
following symbols s, l, g and aq. Each symbol is enclosed in parenthesis and is written after
the formula of the substance.

Balancing a Chemical Equation by Inspection

In chemical reactions in general, and in industrial processes, chemicals are not

combined in just any amount. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction provides
information as to how much of the reactants to use and how much of the products will be
formed. A balanced chemical equation follows the law of conservation of mass. Each kind of
atom on one side equals the number of that kind on the other side.
What happens if the equation is not balanced? Consider the illustration:

Credit: https://www.chapter3stoichiometry.pdf

Notice that there are two oxygen atoms and four hydrogen atoms to the left of the
equation while to the right there are three oxygen atoms (from CO2 and H20) and two hydrogen
atoms. This indicates that the equation above does not follow the law of conservation of mass
since, in the equation, the number of atoms of each element before the reaction is NOT the
same as the number of atoms after. The equation is not balanced.
The equation becomes balanced when the coefficient 2 is placed before 0 2 in the
reactant and before H20 in the product. Therefore the reaction is best represented in the
equation.

Credit: https://www.chapter3stoichiometry.pdf

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 The coefficient is a whole number written before the chemical formula of the substance to
make the chemical equation balanced. It serves as the multiplier of the atoms in the formula. The
subscripts in a formula are never changed, since a change in the subscript would mean a change
in the substance involved.

Interpretation of a Chemical Equation

How can a balanced chemical equation be interpreted?

For example: Interpret the balanced equation:

H2 + Cl 2 → 2HCl
One molecule + One molecule → Two molecules
One mole + One mole → Two moles
2 (1.008 g) + 2 (35.45g) → 2 (1.008 g + 35.45 g)
= 2.016 g = 70.90 g = 72.92 g 72.929 72.92 g

Most simple equations can be balanced by inspection. This involves examining the elements
on both sides of the equation and adjusting the coefficients until an equal number of atoms of
each element on both sides is achieved.

Sample Problem 1
Balance the equation for the reaction between iron and oxygen to give iron (III) oxide.

Solution:
Step 1: Write the formulas of the substances.
Fe(s) + O2(g) ➔ Fe2O3(s)

Step 2: Count the atoms of each element on each side of the equation.

Reactant Side Atom Product Side

1 Fe 2
2 O 3

Step 3: Adjust the coefficients.

There are two oxygen atoms on the left side while there are three on the right side of
the equation. Place 3 in front of O2 and 2 in front of Fe2O3, so that the number of oxygen
atoms of each side is 6.
Fe (s) + 3 O2 (g) ➔ 2 Fe2O3 (s)
Placing 2 before Fe2O3 makes the Fe atom on the right four while there is only one Fe
atom on the left. Therefore, 4 must be placed before Fe to make the Fe atoms on both
sides equal.

4 Fe(s) + 3 O2(g) ➔ 2 Fe2O3(s)

Step 4: Check if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.

Reactant Side Atom Product Side

4x1=4 Fe 2x2=4
3x2=6 O 2x3=6

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Sample Problem 2
Give the balanced equation for the reaction between aluminum metal and
hydrochloric acid forming aqueous aluminum chloride and hydrogen gas.

Solution:
Step 1: Write the formulas of the sub-stances.
Al(s) + HCI(aq) ➔ AICl3(aq) + H2(g)

Step 2: Count the atoms of each element on each side of the equation.

Reactant Side Atom Product Side

1 Al 1
1 H 2
1 Cl 3

Step 3: Adjust the coefficients.

Since only one H is present on the left and 2 H is found on the right side, place
2 before HCI.
Al (s) + 2 HCI(aq) ➔ AICl3(aq) + H2(g)

But the number of Cl atoms on the left is two and on the right are three.
Therefore, a readjustment of coefficients is necessary. Instead of placing 2 before
HCl, 6 is placed.
Al (s) + 6 HCI(aq) ➔ AICl3(aq) + H2(g)

Since there are six atoms each of H and CI on the left, coefficients 2 must be
placed before AlCl3 and 3 for H2.
Al (s) + 6 HCI(aq) ➔ AICl3(aq) + 3 H2(g)

Placing 2 before AlCl 3 makes Al to the right is two, and 2 must be placed before
Al of the reactant.
2 Al(s) + 6 HCI(aq) ➔ 2 AICl3(aq) + 3 H2(g)

Step 4: Check if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides
.
Reactant Side Atom Product Side
2 x1 = 2 Al 2x1=2
6x1=6 H 3x2=6
6x1=6 Cl 2x3=6

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 WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

A. Balance the following equations

1. ____ C + ____ O2 ➔ ___ CO

2. ____ Mg + ____ O2 ➔ ____ MgO

3. ____ H2O2 ➔ ____ H2O + ____ O2

4. ____ CH4 + O2 ➔ ____ CO2 + ____ H2O

5. ____ N2O5 ➔ _____ N2O4 + _____ O2

B. Write a balanced equation for the following reactions.

a. Magnesium reacts with nitrogen gas forming solid magnesium nitride, MgN2.

b. Solid calcium carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid, forming an aqueous

solution of calcium chloride and evolving carbon dioxide gas.

c. When steam is passed over white-hot carbon, a mixture of carbon monoxide and
hydrogen gas is formed.

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ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 1

Credit: sciencenotes.org

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 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 2

Directions: Choose the best answer. Encircle the letter corresponding to your
answer.

1. In balancing an equation, we change the __________ to make the number of atoms

on each side of the equation balance.
A. formulas of compounds in the reactants
B. coefficients of reactants and products
C. formulas of compounds in the products
D. subscripts of compounds

2. The catalytic conversion of ammonia to nitric oxide is the first step in a three-step
process, which ultimately results in nitric acid. Balance the equation for the reaction.
a NH3(g) + b O2(g) ➔ c NO(g) + d H2O(g)

A. a = 2, b = 1, c = 2, d = 1
B. a = 3, b = 2, c = 3, d = 3
C. a = 4, b = 3, c = 2, d = 6
D. a = 4, b = 5, c = 4, d = 6
E. a = 6, b = 15, c = 6, d = 9

3. Balance the following equation with the smallest set of whole numbers.
C4H10 + O2 ➔ CO2 + H2O
What is the coefficient for CO2 in the balanced equation?

A. 1 B. 4 C. 6 D. 8 E. 12

4. Balance the following equation: a NaNO3 ➔ b NaNO2 + c O2

What are the coefficients of the balanced equation for a, b, and c?

A. 2, 2, 1 B. 1, 1, 2 C. 1, 2, 1 D. 2, 3, 1 E. 3, 1, 1

5. Balance the following equations:

_____ P4O10 + _______ H2O ➔_______ H3PO4
What is the coefficient of H2O in the balanced equation?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 4 D. 5 E. 6

6. Potassium metal and chlorine gas (Cl2) react in a combination reaction to produce
potassium chloride. What is the correct balanced equation for this reaction?
A. 2 K(s) + Cl2(g) ➔ 2 KCl(s)
B. K(s) + Cl2(g) ➔ KCl(s)
C. K(s) + Cl(g) ➔ KCl(s)
D. K2(s) + Cl2(g) ➔ 2 KCl(s)
E. K(s) + Cl2(g) ➔ KCl2(s)

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7. Balance the following equation:
a NaNO3 ➔ b NaNO2 + c O2

What are the coefficients of the balanced equation for a, b, and c?

A. 2, 2, 1
B. 1, 1, 2
C. 1, 2, 1
D. 2, 3, 1
E. 3, 1, 1

8. Balance the following chemical reaction:

a CO + b NO ➔ c CO2 + d N2
The coefficients a, b, c, and d for the balanced chemical equations are:
A. 2, 2, 2, 3
B. 2, 2, 2, 1
C. 1, 1, 1, 2
D. 2, 1, 2, 1
E. 1, 2, 2, 1

9. What law states the total mass of all substances entering into a chemical reaction is
equal to the total mass of all the products of the reaction?
A. Law of Conservation of Mass
B. Law of Definite Proportion
C. Law of Multiple Proportion
D. Boyle’s Law

10. Balance the following equation with the smallest set of whole numbers.
C4H10 + O2 ➔ CO2 + H2O
What is the coefficient for CO2 in the balanced equation?
A. 1
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
E. 12

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 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 3

Complete the Sentence. Use the words in the list below to complete the
sentence.

coefficient, reactant, product,

Law of Conservation of Mass, physical states

1. Chemical reactions follow the law of conservation of mass. No atoms are created
or destroyed; they are just rearranged.

2. The reactants (starting substances) are placed on the left side.

3. The products (substances produced) are placed on the right.

4. The physical states of the reactants and products (s, l, g, for solid, liquid, or gas,
respectively) are indicated.

5. The coefficient is a whole number written before the chemical formula of the
substance to make the chemical equation balanced.

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15
What Do You Already Know? What Have You Learned?
1. C A.
2. A 1. 1. 2, 1, 2
3. A 2. 2. 2, 1, 2
4. E 3. 3. 2, 2, 1
5. A 4. 4. 1, 2, 1, 2
6. A 5. 5. 2, 2, 1
7. B B.
8. B a. 3 Mg (s) + N2(g) ➔ Mg3N2(s)
9. B b. CaCO3(s) + 2 HCl(aq) ➔ CaCl2(s) +
10. E CO2(g) + H2O(l)
c. H2O(g) + C(s) ➔ CO(g) + H2(g)
Enrichment Activity 1 Enrichment Activity 2
1. 2, 3, 1, 3 1. B
2. 1, 2, 1, 2 2. D
3. 1, 2, 1,4 3. D
4. 2, 1, 1, 2 4. A
5. 4, 5, 4, 6 5. E
6. 1, 3, 1, 3 6. A
7. 1, 4, 1, 2 7. A
8. 2, 1, 2, 1 8. B
9. 4, 3, 1, 12 9. A
10. 1, 2, 1, 2 10. D
Enrichment Activity 3
1. Law of Conservation of Mass
2. Reactants
3. Products
4. Physical states
5. Coefficient
ANWER KEYS
 REFERENCES

Online Sources/Websites

1. k12@ched.gov.ph
2. https://www.chapter3stoichiometry.pdf
3. Credit: sciencenotes.org

Royalty-Free Pictures and Illustrations

1. k12@ched.gov.ph
2. https://www.chapter3stoichiometry.pdf
3. Credit: sciencenotes.org

16
 Chemical Reactions and Chemical
Equations
This self-learning module (SLM) will help to write and balance chemical equations. It
also derives pertinent information from a balanced chemical equation.

This SLM is developed by Eufrosina T. Cebanes, Teacher II under the supervision of her
school head Mary Jane V. Ipurong, Ph.D. This is supervised by the division Science Supervisor Sir
Romeo R. Hipolito and EPSvr for LRMDS Mr. Ever M. Samson under Project EL AR: Enhanced
Learning thru Adequate Resources of the Learning Resource Management and Development
Section (LRMDS) - Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) SDO Cabanatuan City. ©2020

This is developed to provide flexible modalities as additional/supplemental source of

learning for Grade 11 learners in the subject "General Chemistry 1" for the content- Chemical
reactions and Chemical equations with the content standard- “the use of chemical formulas to
represent chemical reactions."

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region 3
Division of Cabanatuan City
Curriculum Implementation Division (CID)
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
This self-learning module (SLM) is developed by the SDO Cabanatuan City CID-LRMDS Team under Project
EL AR: Enhanced Learning thru Adequate Resources.
Cover and page elements illustrations by Jan Carl B. Briones ● Project EL AR logo by Gemmarie G. Rivas