Balancing Chemical Equations
STEP 1 Check all molecular formulas and make sure they are neutral, then count the atoms on both sides of the equation
STEP 2 Balance elements in the following order: Nonmetals (NM), Metals (M), Polyatomic ions (P), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O)
STEP 3 When balancing the polyatomic ions, treat them as one unit if they appear on both sides of the equation.
STEP 4 About element subscripts: If there is an odd on one side and an even on the other, put the odd number in front of the compound of the even.
STEP 5 Count all atoms on both sides of the equation and make sure they are equal.
Helpful Hints Combustion equations sometimes start with a 2 as the coefficient of the hydrocarbon. Never begin with balancing H or O!!
YOU ARE BALANCED!!