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Balancing Equations PhET

Last updated about 4 years ago
10 questions
Note from the author:
Utilize the online PhET simulation to practice balancing equations.
Ecosystems have many chemical and physical changes happening all at once, and matter is conserved in each and everyone—no exceptions. Consider a stream flowing through a canyon—how many chemical and physical changes are happening at any given moment? What would happen if matter continuously disappeared during these reactions?

You just finished learning how balancing chemical equations is required to uphold the law of conservation of matter. Now it's time to put your knowledge to the test. Using PhET's Balancing Chemical Equations Simulation.

Directions:

  • Enter the PhET Simulation website or use the interactive embedded below.
  • Start with the Introduction section.
1. Check out the simulation's controls.
2. Answer each pre-lab question.
  • Enter the game section, by clicking "Game" on the simulation's bottom black menu bar.
  1. Test your balancing ability at all three levels. Each level requires you to balance 5 equations. You must score at least 4 stars at each level to earn full credit.
  2. Take a screenshot of your Game Results screen with all three levels for the last question.
  3. Add a screenshot of your Game Results screen with all three levels.

Introduction - Beginning Observations

Play around with the simulation and explore what you can or cannot change. Reflect by answering the questions below.
3

What can you change about the simulation?

1

What law is being demonstrated by the simulation?

4

In your own words, describe the purpose fo the balance scale and bar charts from the Tools menu on the right.

1

How does the simulation let you know if the equation is balanced?

3

Match each substance to its correct coefficient to balance the chemical equation for ammonia.
N2 + H2 --> NH3

Draggable itemCorresponding Item
H2
3
N2
1
NH3
2
2

Which compounds have a coefficent of 2 to separate water?

1

It is possible to balance the provided equations by leaving a substance with a coefficient of 0.

4

Drag each substance to its correct coefficient to balance the chemical equation for methane.

  • O2
  • CO2
  • CH4
  • H2O
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
2

The number placed in front of a chemical formula is called a coefficient. The small number within a chemical formula is called a subscript. Why do we adjust coefficients when blancing chemical equations and not subscripts?

Game - Earn 4+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ at all 3 Levels

  • Enter the game section, by clicking "Game" on the simulation's bottom black menu bar.
  • Click on any level to begin.
  • Use the up and down arrows in front of each substance to set the coefficient.
  • When balanced, click the check button. You will earn 2 points for each equation balanced correctly on the first attempt and 1 point for balancing correctly on the second attempt.
  • You can restart a level at any time by clicking the Start Over button in the top right corner.
  • On the final level screen, click Continue to return to the Game's Level selection.
  • Repeat until you have scored at least 4 stars (⭐⭐⭐⭐) at each level.
  • Take a screenshot of your Game Results screen with all three levels for the last question.
30

Add a screenshot of your Game Results screen with all three levels.

Wrapping Up


  • Double-check all of your work.
  • Take a screenshot of the bitmoji
  • Submit the worksheet
  • Upload the bitmoji screenshot to the class