1. Balancing Chemical Equations

2. STEP 1
Check all molecular formulas and make sure they are neutral, then count the atoms on both sides of the equation

3. STEP 2 Balance elements in the following order: Nonmetals (NM),
Metals (M),
Polyatomic ions (P),
Hydrogen (H),
Oxygen (O)

4. STEP 3
When balancing the polyatomic ions, treat them as one unit if they appear on both sides of the equation.

5. 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.

6. STEP 5
Count all atoms on both sides of the equation and make sure they are equal.

7. Helpful Hints
Combustion equations sometimes start with a 2 as the coefficient of the hydrocarbon.
Never begin with balancing H or O!!

8. YOU ARE BALANCED!!