How-to-Balance-Chemical-Equations

How to Balance Chemical Equations | Easy Steps 

While studying chemistry, the foremost skill that each student has to know is balancing the chemical equations to get the right reactants and products. To learn this vital skill, here are some easy steps that’d teach you step-by-step, how to balance chemical equations like a pro. 

What is a Chemical Equation?

A chemical equation is a series of reactants and products that make sense. On the left-hand side of the equation lies the reactants while on the right-hand side lies the products. To balance any unbalanced chemical equation, the only skill to learn is to balance out the number of atoms on either side of the equation and satisfy the law of conservation of mass. If you’re struggling with learning the simple tricks to solve any chemical equation, this can be your start to guide. Up first in learning how to balance a chemical equation is to know the importance of balancing it. 

Why is Balancing Chemical Equations Important?

The importance of balancing a chemical equation is to follow up on the law of the conservation of mass by equaling the number of atoms on either side of the equation. According to the law of conservation of mass, “An equal quantity of matter exists both before and after the experiment; the quality and quantity of the elements remain precisely the same.”  The term was discovered by the scientist named Antoine Laurent Lavoisier in 1789. He made it evident that there is a need for balancing the equations else they’ll amount to nothing but an unbalanced, skeletal equation. 

Steps to Balance a Chemical Equation with Example

Write Down the Chemical Equation

C3H8 + O2 –> H2O + CO2

Write the Number of Atoms Per Element 

On LHS:- C=3, H=8, 0=2

On RHS:- C=1, H=2, 0=3

Add a Coefficient to Balance Single Molecules

C3H8 + O2 –> H2O + 3CO2

Like:- Adding 3 molecules to the Carbon on the RHS

Balance the Hydrogen 

C3H8 + O2 –> H2O + 3CO2

There are 8 on LHS and 2 on the RHS, so use (4*2) on RHS to balance.

C3H8 + O2 –> 4H2O + 3CO2

Balance the Oxygen

C3H8 + O2 –> 4H2O + 3CO2

There are 2 on LSH and 10 on RHS, so use (5*2) on LHS to balance.

C3H8 + 5O2 –> 4H2O + 3CO2

Following these steps to balance a chemical equation, YOU GET A BALANCED EQUATION AT LAST! Does the task that first looked hard seem harder anymore? We try to make things simpler by understanding the easiest trick that the kid would get. If you have any other issues in doing your chemistry assignment, you can seek online  chemistry homework help at Homework Minutes. Our team has experts who are up 24*7 to help you find the answers to all your queries.