ECQ; Balancing Equations

So, what exactly is balancing an equation? It is simply making sure that there are equal numbers of atoms on each side. If this means that you need to add or subtract an atom, then sobeit. Also, try to do this using the coefficients (the numbers in front of the elements), instead of the subscripts (the little numbers). It may seem overwhelming at first, but just keep trying, and you can do it! Here are some examples:

MG+O₂ > MgO
This equation is not balanced, because as you can see, there are two oxeygen in the reactants, and only one in the product. It ould not do to simply put a coefficient in the product because you would also need two Mg in the reactants. Here is what you would do to make it balanced:

2Mg+O₂ > 2MgO.

As you can see, there are two Mg and two Oxeygen in the reactants and products, thus following the Las of Conservation of Mass. If you are still confused, remember to look at the valence electrons carefully, and that you can add atoms of the same type onto either side with coefficients.

So, what kinds of equations will you be making? CLick here

Here are some steps you can take:

• Change the coefficiant in front of the unbalanced atoms. Make the atoms equal on each side.
• Check your work by recounting the munber of atoms on each side. Go back to step 3 until all sides are equal.
• Remember:
  Coefficients must be whole numbers. You can't add half of an atom or compound.
  YOU CAN NOT CHANGE SUBSCRIPTS, ONLY COEFFICIENTS.