It may be simple for so many other people, but it is so hard for me. I find many other things in Chemistry like mole ratios and other stuff to be a breeze but balancing equations really mess with me.
Any suggestions on how to balance equations in a simpler way?|||The typical way I balance equations is to first divide the equation into reactants and products. (I usually do this by drawing a vertical line to separate both sides of the equation.) Then I write out every element, usually under the specific molecule. For each element, I write how many (i.e., if my molecule has 2 nitrogen I would write N = 2). One other tip is to include total elements, if more than one molecule has the same element (on one side of the equation). For this, I just total up all of that specific element and then write it in - usually towards the bottom of the page.
Once I have all of my elements listed, with their corresponding numbers, I just start from the left side of the equation and check how many of that element I have on the right side.
When balancing, I typically use whole numbers. If I need to increase the amount of a particular element on the product side, I just put the corresponding number IN FRONT of the molecule. (Remember, you cannot put subscript numbers within the molecule as this will change the specific molecule.)
Just make sure that whenever you change the numbers, you adjust the specific amounts you have listed below. (Don't forget your total element numbers as well.)
Do you have a particular equation you would like to balance?|||Don't look at the TOTAL number of electrons in each of the elements ... look and the excess or lack of electrons to a shell.
Oxygen needs 2 more electrons to be stable.
Hydrogen has one extra
So 2x H + O is stable as water
Carbon has 4 electrons in an outer shell that needs 8
So 2x O + C is Carbon Dioxide
That help?|||Balance the H and O first then look at the other elements. I think that is the way I was taught.
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