Writing Balanced Equations

Writing Balanced Equations

Importance of Balanced Equations

• A balanced equation is essential to accurately represent a chemical reaction
• It ensures that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed
• It allows for the calculation of reactant and product quantities

Steps to Write a Balanced Equation

1. Write the unbalanced equation: Start by writing the reactants on the left and products on the right
2. Count the atoms: Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides
3. Balance the atoms: Balance the atoms by adding coefficients (numbers in front of formulas) to the reactants or products
   • Start with elements that appear in only one formula: Balance these elements first
   • Balance polyatomic ions as a single unit: Treat polyatomic ions as a single entity
   • Balance hydrogen and oxygen last: These elements often have multiple formulas and can be tricky to balance
4. Check the equation: Verify that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides
5. Repeat the process: Continue adding coefficients and checking the equation until it is balanced

Tips and Tricks

• Coefficients must be whole numbers: You cannot have a fraction of a molecule
• Never change the subscripts: The subscripts (small numbers in chemical formulas) remain the same throughout the balancing process
• Use parentheses: When balancing polyatomic ions, use parentheses to group the ions together

Example: Balancing the Equation for the Combustion of Methane

Unbalanced equation: CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

Balanced equation: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O

Note: The coefficients 2 in front of O₂ and 2 in front of H₂O are added to balance the equation.

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