Balancing Equations

1. Balancing Equations The important thing to keep in mind is The Law of Conservation of Matter Which says that matter cannot be created or destroyed. This means that you have to have the same number and type of atom on both sides of the equation In this demo you will be balancing a chemical equation

2. Let’s use a simple equation, combining Hydrogen and Oxygen to make water. O2 + H2 H2O So we can see what is happening more easily, let’s also use models of the atoms.

3. Let’s use a simple equation, combining Hydrogen and Oxygen to make water. O2 + H2 H2O Reagents Product Let’s make a table now to keep track of the atoms on both sides.

4. Let’s use a simple equation, combining Hydrogen and Oxygen to make water. O2 + H2 H2O Reagents Product Notice, we have the same number of hydrogen atoms on both sides, but too many oxygen atoms on the Reagent side.

5. Let’s use a simple equation, combining Hydrogen and Oxygen to make water. O2 + H2 2H2O Reagents Product We can only add H2O to the product side, so to balance the oxygen we need to add another H2O to the product side.

6. Let’s use a simple equation, combining Hydrogen and Oxygen to make water. O2 + H2 2H2O Reagents Product Now we need to recount our atoms. Notice that our Oxygen are balanced, but our Hydrogen are now wrong.

7. Let’s use a simple equation, combining Hydrogen and Oxygen to make water. O2 + 2H2 2H2O Reagents Product We can only add Oxygen and Hydrogen to the Reactant side, so we can add another Hydrogen molecule to balance them out.

8. Let’s use a simple equation, combining Hydrogen and Oxygen to make water. O2 + 2H2 2H2O Reagents Product Now our equation is balanced and all is well with the world.

9. Copy down these equations and try them, you can find the answers on the Helps page of the site. __Mg + __ O2  __ MgO __ C + __Cl  __ CCl4 __ C3H8 + __ O2 __CO2 + __ H2O