1. Balancing Equations CO2 + H2O  O2 + C6H12O6
-How many C, H, and O are on the reactant side? How many C, H, and O are on the product side?
-A balanced equation is one where all the atoms of the reactants must be accounted for in the products.
To balance the equation:
1. Do an inventory to determine how many of each
atom are on each side of the equation.
Left Side Right Side
1 C
3 O
2 H
6 C
8 O
12 H

2. Balancing Equations
2. If the result is not equal for all atoms, change coefficients (not subscripts) until balance is achieved.
6 CO2 + 6 H2O  6 O2 + C6H12O6
How many C, O, and H are on the reactant side?
How many C, O, and H are on the product side?
Left Side Right Side
6 C
18 O
12 H
6 C
18 O
12 H

3. Balancing Equations Steps
1. Start with the most complicated molecule. Often, it will be the one with the most elements. Or, go with the one with the most atoms.
2. Go element by element to determine what coefficients are necessary so that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation.
3. Check your answers to make sure everything is balanced and that the coefficients used are the smallest they can be.