Balancing Equations

Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms not the making or destroying of atoms. This satisfies the Law of Conservation of Matter.

It is necessary to make sure that you have the same amount of atoms on both sides of the equation.

To balance the following equation: H₂ + O₂ - - > H₂O

There are 2 Hydrogen atoms on both sides but there is 1 less Oxygen on the right compared to the left.

H₂ + O₂ --> 2H₂O

Oxygen is now balanced - 2 on each side - but Hydrogen now has 2 on the left and 4 on the right.

2H₂ + O₂ - - > 2H₂O

Hydrogen is now also balanced with 4 atoms on each side.

State symbols can also be added to show the physical condition of the reactants and products

(s) – solid, (l) – liquid, (g) – gas, (aq) – aqueous