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10th grade Balance chemical equations worksheet

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Balance chemical equations

Grade 10 Science Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the best answer, or write your answer on the line.

  1. Methane has 1 carbon and 4 hydrogen atoms and burns completely to CO₂ and H₂O. How many O₂ molecules does one methane molecule need, Ari?

  2. Propane has 3 carbon and 8 hydrogen atoms and burns completely to CO₂ and H₂O. How many O₂ molecules does one propane molecule need, Bo?

  3. Ethane has 2 carbon and 6 hydrogen atoms and burns completely to CO₂ and H₂O. How many O₂ molecules does one ethane molecule need, Esme?

  4. 4 H₂ + 2 O₂ → 4 H₂O is balanced. How is it written in lowest terms, Jun?

    • 2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O
    • 8 H₂ + 4 O₂ → 8 H₂O
    • H₂ + O₂ → H₂O
  5. Ethane needs 3.5 O₂ per molecule. How is its equation written in whole numbers, Kira?

    • C₂H₆ + 7 O₂ → 2 CO₂ + 3 H₂O
    • 2 C₂H₆ + 7 O₂ → 4 CO₂ + 6 H₂O
    • C₂H₆ + 3 O₂ → 2 CO₂ + 3 H₂O
  6. Why reduce 2 Mg + O₂ → 2 MgO no further, Luz?

    • Magnesium's coefficient can't be reduced
    • 2 is the largest allowed
    • 1 O₂ can't be halved to a whole number
  7. Noah balances Mg + O₂ → MgO by writing MgO₂. Agree or disagree?

    • Disagree: change coefficients instead
    • Agree: magnesium can hold two O atoms
    • Agree: it uses both O atoms
  8. Pia says each side of a balanced equation must have the same number of molecules. Agree or disagree?

    • Disagree: atoms match, not molecules
    • Agree: molecules are conserved
    • Agree: coefficients must match
  9. Why must chemical equations be balanced, Ren?

    • Atoms aren't created or destroyed
    • To change the products
    • To make the equation look neater on paper
  10. 16 g of methane reacts with 64 g of oxygen. What total mass of products forms, Zee?

    • 64 g
    • 80 g
    • 48 g
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10th grade Balance chemical equations worksheet – printable
Print: 123456

About this worksheet

Balance chemical equations. Every version has 10 questions, and the answer key prints on the second page.

What your child will learn

  • I can count atoms from coefficients and subscripts, including through brackets.
  • I can balance equations by choosing coefficients, never changing subscripts, and write them in lowest terms.
  • I can keep a polyatomic ion together when it appears unchanged on both sides, and turn word equations into formulas.
  • I can balance hydrocarbon combustion: O₂ needed = C + H ÷ 4.

Standard: HS-PS1-7

Words to know

coefficient: The number in front of a formula; it multiplies the whole formula

subscript: The small number in a formula; fixed for that substance

balanced equation: An equation with equal atoms of each element on both sides

combustion: Burning in oxygen; a hydrocarbon makes CO₂ and H₂O

conservation of mass: Atoms are rearranged, never made or destroyed

Common mistakes

Your child added the coefficient and subscript. The coefficient multiplies every atom in the formula: atoms = coefficient × subscript.

Your child counted one formula unit. The coefficient in front multiplies everything, including the brackets.

Your child gave each H its own oxygen atom. Four H make two H₂O, which take one O₂: O₂ needed = C + H ÷ 4.

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with balance chemical equations?

Your child added the coefficient and subscript. The coefficient multiplies every atom in the formula: atoms = coefficient × subscript.

Are these 10th grade science worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions at each level are free to print, with the answer key, and no account is needed.

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