Balancing equations- Key Steps!

 

1. List out the different atoms in the formula.
2. Count the number of atoms on the left hand side, then on the right hand side.
3. Note which atoms are not balanced.
4. Select on atom to balance (it is usually the one that is an odd number). You can only balance by putting numbers in front of the elements!
5. Update the atom count.
6. If it is still unbalanced, you may need to try balancing the elements again.

 

Example

 

Al + O₂ Al₂O₃

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Atom	Number of Atoms
Al	1
O	2

Atom	Number of Atoms
Al	2
O	3

 

 

 

 

 

Oxygen is unbalanced!

 

Al + O₂ 2Al₂O₃

Atom	Number of Atoms
Al	1
O	2

Atom	Number of Atoms
Al	4
O	6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now Aluminium and Oxygen are unbalanced, but we can change the left hand side of the equation to balance both sides.

 

 

4Al + 3O₂ 2Al₂O₃

Atom	Number of Atoms
Al	4
O	6

Atom	Number of Atoms
Al	4
O	6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now both sides are balanced!