1. V.I.P. Visual Instruction Plan Balancing Chemical Equations

2. Step 1: Write out the equation Na + I 2  NaI

3. Step 2: Count all the atoms Na + I 2  NaI See  1121

4. Step 3: Compare elements Na + I 2  NaI 1121

5. Step 4: Use coefficients to match an element that is not equal Na + I 2  NaI 1121 This iodine needs to be at 2 atoms so add a coefficient of 2 to the molecule… 2 Which then multiplies all the elements… 2 2 Iodines now match on both sides!

6. Step 5: Use a coefficient again to match the next element that is not the same Na + I 2  NaI 1 1 21 2 2 2 Now this sodium is not balanced so add a coefficient of 2… 2 2 Sodiums now match on both sides!

7. Step 6: Check for balance (same on both sides) Na + I 2  NaI 1 1 21 2 2 2 2 2 All elements match on both sides! The equation is BALANCED 2 222

8. Step 7: Rewrite the chemical equation Na + I 2  NaI 2 2

9. Sum It All Up! 2Na + I 2  2NaI Coefficients multiply the entire molecule! heat “yields” action Reactants Products