Balancing Chemical Equations

STEP 1

• Check all molecular formulas and make sure they are neutral, then count the atoms on both sides of the equation

STEP 2

• Balance elements in the following order:

NM, M, Poly, H, O

STEP 3

• When balancing the polys treat them as one unit if they appear on both sides of the equation.

STEP 4

• About element subscripts:

If there is an odd on one side and an even on the other, put the odd number in front of the even.

STEP 5

• Count all atoms on both sides of the equation and make sure they are equal.

Helpful Hints

• Combustion equations sometimes start with a 2 as the coefficient of the hydrocarbon.

• Never begin with balancing H or O!!

YOU ARE BALANCED!!