Balancing Chemical Equations

Chemical Equations Chemical formulas are written to show a chemical reaction. The element symbols from the periodic table are used Reactant- starting materials; on the left side of an equation Product- the substance formed as a result of the reaction; on the right side of the equation

Understanding Symbols CO2: Carbon dioxide 1 Carbon atom 2 Oxygen atoms CO: Carbon monoxide 1 Oxygen atom Co: Cobalt 1 Cobalt atom Coefficients are placed in front and change all that follows 2C2H6 4 Carbon atoms 12 Hydrogen atoms

Conservation of Mass Conservation of mass states that whatever mass we start with, we must end with. Matter can not be created or destroyed. Therefore, however many atoms of an element we start with we must end with. # of Reactants = # of Products The equation must be balanced or equal on both sides.

Steps to balance an equation Write out the formula correctly Write a list of the elements present on each side Count the numbers of each element on both side Balance the equation using coefficients Coefficients change the numbers of everything they are in front of!!! Recount and redo as necessary and make sure coefficients are reduced.

Practice

Practice H2 + O2  H2O Na + O2  Na2O N2 + H2 NH3 P4 + O2  P4O6 C + H2  CH4