M&M’s Balancing Equations Lab

Background:

In your notebook, diagram the following chemical reaction. Label the: reactants, products, coefficients and subscripts. Write down the type of reaction (synthesis, decomposition, single or double replacement).

C6H12O6 + 9 O2 6 CO2 + 6 H2O

Directions:

  1. Use the M&M’s to model atoms of each element listed (See table below for your color-coded key).
  2. Set up the reaction using the correct number of M&M’s.

·  Partner #1: reactants side of reaction.

·  Partner #2: products side of reaction.

  1. Set up each compound using your M&M’s. Add coefficients to balance each equation.

·  Remember, when you add coefficients you must distribute it to each element in the compound.

·  Adjust the coefficients until each side has the same number of the same color M&M’s.

4. In your notebook, draw and color the “sweetly” balanced equations. Include a color-coded key.

5. Have fun and enjoy your M&M’s AFTER you finish balancing your “sweet” chemical equations.

Symbol of Element / Color of M&M’s
H / Red
O / Green
C / Blue
S / Yellow
Br / Brown

Materials:

·  1 pack of fun-size M&M’s per person

·  Coefficient cut-out set (1 set per group)

·  Notebook and writing utensil

·  A good attitude

Use M&M’s to balance these equations on a clean, blank sheet of paper.

1. ___ H2 + ___ Br2 à ___ HBr

2. ___ H2 + ___ O2 à ___ H2O

3 ___ C + ___ O2 à ___ CO

4. ___ C + ___H2 à ___ CH4

5. ___ H2O2 à ___ H2O + ___ O2

6. ___ H2O + ___ SO3 à ___ H2SO4

Balance these three equations in your notebook… while you eat your M&M’s.

1. ___ Zn + ___ HCl à ___ ZnCl + ___ H2

2. ___ KNO3 à ___ KNO2 + ___ O2

3. ___ HCl + ___ CaCO3 à ___ CO2 + ___ H2O + ___ CaCl2