Balancing Equations

Subscript A subscript is a number written at the lower right corner behind the symbol of an element. If there is more than one atom of the element in the molecule, then a subscript is used to indicate the number of atoms. e.x. N2 = e.x. Ba3(PO4)2 =

A coefficient is a number written in front of a chemical formula and indicates the number of molecules of that compound. Note: A coefficient multiples the number of atoms of each element in the formula. E.x. 2 H2O = E.x. 3 FeSO4 = E.x. 4 Cu(NO3)2 =

Recall Skeleton Equations Recall: A skeleton equation takes a word equation and converts the words to chemical formulas. Balancing Equations The Law of Conservation of Mass says that matter cannot be created nor destroyed. That means that all the atoms that exist on one side of the equation must exist on the other side of the equation. In order to ensure that both sides match, we must Balance the Equation. To balance a skeleton equation, coefficients are placed in front of compounds to increase the number of atoms. By placing coefficients throughout the equation, a balance of atoms is achieved. Sodium  +  Chlorine Gas   Sodium chloride

To balance a skeleton equation, coefficients are placed in front of compounds to increase the number of atoms. By placing coefficients throughout the equation, a balance of atoms is achieved. NOTE: It is not permitted to place a coefficient in the middle of a   compound or change the subscripts. Order of Operations "Me so smart, MINOH everything"

MINOH Try a couple Reactants ____ FeCl3 + ____ Na2S → ____ Fe2S3 + ____ NaCl Reactants Products   MINOH

Try a couple ____ H2O + ____ SO3 → ____ H2SO4 Reactants Products   MINOH