How to balance chemical equations
There are two general ways to do this, both too difficult to describe in detail. The two methods are as follows:
1. What I call trial and error.
2. Rules for balancing Redox reactions.
To get directions on either or both, you can do the following:
1. Google balancing equation by trial and error or rules for balancing redox equations.
2. You can post a question on Jiskha on either, tell us what you know/don't know about it, and we can help you through it.
To balance chemical equations, follow these steps:
Step 1: Write the unbalanced equation:
Write down the chemical equation with the reactants on the left side and the products on the right side. For example, H2 + O2 -> H2O.
Step 2: Count the number of atoms on each side:
Count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides. Write down the tally for each element.
Step 3: Start with the most complex molecule:
Begin balancing with the most complex molecule that contains the highest number of atoms. This will make it easier to balance the other elements.
Step 4: Balance atoms one at a time:
Add coefficients (whole numbers) in front of each molecule to balance the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Only use whole numbers as coefficients.
Step 5: Balance the common elements:
Repeat step 4 for the other common elements, balancing one atom at a time.
Step 6: Check the balanced equation:
Double-check your balanced equation by counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides. It should be equal.
Step 7: Adjust coefficients if necessary:
If the equation is not balanced, adjust the coefficients until all elements are balanced.
Step 8: Check again:
Recount the atoms to ensure that the equation is balanced.
Step 9: Reduce coefficients if possible:
If there are any high coefficients, try to simplify them by dividing all the coefficients by a common factor.
Step 10: Add state symbols if needed:
Include state symbols (g for gas, l for liquid, s for solid, aq for aqueous) for each reactant and product, if required.
That's it! Following these steps should help you balance chemical equations.