Balancing Equations
Many people know how to balance equations but don't know what order to balance them in.
This is my teacher's advice
- Balance metals first
- Balance those 'species' found in only one place on either side of the equation
- Balance what's left
- When balancing equations, remember to put the number in FRONT of the symbol (of the chemical) and never to change the 'number of atoms' number on the bottom right of the symbol.
- Multiply the 'number of atoms' number on the bottom right of the symbol (if there is one) by the number you put in front of the symbol.
- In cases where the elements are put in brackets...
eg.
(OH)2
This means that there are 2 oxygen atoms and 2 hydrogen atoms (because you multiply everything inside the brackets by what's outside the brackets - 2).
- ...Multiply everything n the brackets by what's outside the brackets.
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