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10th grade Balance chemical equations worksheet

6 printable versionsBuilding Confidence10 questions · answer keyFree · no account

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Balance chemical equations

Grade 10 Science Worksheet - Building Confidence

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

  1. In 3 H₂O, the coefficient is 3 and each molecule has 2 hydrogen atoms. How many hydrogen atoms in all, Ari?

  2. In 4 NH₃, the coefficient is 4 and each molecule has 3 hydrogen atoms. How many hydrogen atoms in all, Esme?

  3. Read this first

    Atom tally for CH₄ + 2 O₂ → CO₂ + 2 H₂O (methane burning) (balanced equation)

    elementatoms on the leftatoms on the right
    C11
    H44
    O44
  4. Using the tally, where do the 4 oxygen atoms on the right come from, Kira?

    • Four in the 2 H₂O
    • Four in the CO₂ molecule
    • 2 in CO₂ and 2 in 2 H₂O
  5. Using the tally, why is there a 2 in front of H₂O, Luz?

    • To match methane's 4 hydrogens
    • To match the two carbon atoms there
    • Because water is heavy
  6. When balancing, which numbers may be changed, Milo?

    • Coefficients
    • Both
    • Subscripts
  7. In 2 H₂O, what does the 2 in front show, Noah?

    • Two water molecules
    • Two bonds
    • Two oxygen atoms each
  8. Why can't H₂O be changed to H₂O₂ to balance oxygen, Pia?

    • It would weigh less
    • Oxygen can't carry a subscript 2
    • H₂O₂ is a different substance
  9. Is H₂ + O₂ → H₂O balanced, Ren?

    • Yes: the hydrogen atoms match
    • No: oxygen doesn't match
    • Yes: it has arrows
  10. Is 2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O balanced, Tala?

    • No: hydrogen is off
    • Yes
    • No: oxygen is off
  11. What makes an equation balanced, Zee?

    • Each element's atoms match on both sides
    • The same number of molecules on each side
    • The arrow points right
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10th grade Balance chemical equations worksheet – printable
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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.

More chemistry

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