Having real trouble trying to write a balanced equationfor Hydrogen Cyanide. Every time I get most of it right I unbalance everything else orelse land up with huge numbers. Any hints gratefully received

would you care to give the equation?

CH4 + NH3 +O2 -- HCN + H2O

is it 2ch4+2nh3+3o2=>2hcn+6h2o

Balancing chemical equations can sometimes be challenging, but it's a crucial skill to master in chemistry. Let's work through the process of balancing the equation for the formation of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) from Methane (CH4), Ammonia (NH3), and Oxygen (O2).

The equation you provided is:

CH4 + NH3 + O2 → HCN + H2O

To balance this equation, we need to ensure that the same number of atoms of each element appear on both sides. Here's a step-by-step procedure to balance it:

1. Start by counting the atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
Left side: C: 1, H: 4, N: 1, O: 2
Right side: H: 1, C: 1, N: 1, O: 1

2. Begin balancing with the most complex molecule, which is methane (CH4), and consider balancing carbon (C) first.
Multiply CH4 on the left side by 2: 2CH4 + NH3 + O2 → HCN + H2O

3. Next, address hydrogen (H) on both sides of the equation.
On the left side: 2(CH4) → 2 × 4H = 8H
Add a coefficient of 8 to H2O on the right side: 2CH4 + NH3 + O2 → HCN + 8H2O

4. Proceed to balance nitrogen (N) on both sides.
There is already 1 N in NH3 on the left side: 2CH4 + NH3 + O2 → HCN + 8H2O

5. Finally, balance oxygen (O) on both sides.
On the left side: 2(CH4) + O2 → 2C + 4H + O = 10O
Add a coefficient of 5 to O2 on the left side: 2CH4 + 5O2 → HCN + 8H2O

Now the equation is balanced:

2CH4 + 5O2 → HCN + 8H2O

It's important to note that balancing equations does not involve changing the subscripts of individual atoms within a molecule. Only coefficients are adjusted to ensure the conservation of atoms on both sides of the equation.

Remember, practice is key to becoming proficient at balancing equations. Keep attempting different equations, and with time, you'll develop a better sense of how to balance them effectively.