Balancing Equations

Review Coefficients- big number; number of each molecule Subscript- small number; number of each element Yield- arrow; acts like an equals sign

Goal To have equal number of molecules on each side of the yield Show the law of conservation of matter N2 + 3H2 2NH3 N- 2 N- 2 H- 6 (3 X 2) H- 6 (2 X 3)

Step 1: Identify the products and reactants Reactants- on the left Products- on the right __N2 + __H2 __NH3 Reactants Products

Step 2: Separate them at the yield __N2 + __H2 __NH3 Reactants Products

Step 3: Identify the number of molecules on each side Pay attention to the subscripts If there is no subscript there is only 1 molecule __N2 + __H2 __NH3 N- 2 N- 1 H- 2 H- 3

Step 4: Balance the molecules with the largest subscript Start with the molecule with the largest number Distribute AKA multiply what you do to one, you do to the other __N2 + __H2 _2_NH3 N- 2 N- 1 X 2 = 2 H- 2 H- 3 X 2 = 6

Step 5: Balance the remaining molecules __N2 + _3_H2 2NH3 N- 2 N- 1 2 H- 2 X 3 = 6 H- 3 6

Step 6: Put 1 for any remaining coefficients that stay the same Distribute AKA multiply _1_N2 + _3_H2 2NH3 N- 2 X 1 = 2 N- 1 2 H- 2 6 H- 3 6

Step 7: Check your work _1_N2 + _3_H2 _2_NH3 N- 2 N- 1 2 H- 2 6 H- 3 6