- First of all, a chemical reaction is the process in which one or more substances are converted into new substances with different physical and chemical properties.
- And second of all, the equation is considered a balanced chemical equation when the law of conservation of matter is observed in a chemical equation.
So the real question is, how do you balance it?
Let's use the example Ca +O2 ---> CaO
* Remember to use coefficients (whole numbers) before the formulas for both reactants and products *
Looking at the example above, notice that on the left side of the equation there are 2 oxygen atoms, but only 1 on the right. Since the oxygen molecule on the reactant side must have a subscript of 2 to maintain its identity, you must make the product side match the reactant side. To balance out the oxygen molecules on both ends, add the coefficient 2 on the right side.
So your equation would look like this: Ca + O2 ---> 2CaO
Since both oxygen molecules have 2 oxygen atoms on both ends, and since we added 2 calcium molecules on the right end, we need to balance it out on the left since there are only 1. In order to do this, we must add the coefficient 2 in front of Ca.
So your balanced equation would look like: 2Ca + O2 ---> 2CaO
SUMMARY TO LEARN HOW TO BALANCE EQUATIONS:
1) Write a formula equation with correct symbols and formulas.
Example: Na + Cl2 ---> NaCl
2) Count the number of atoms of each element on each side of the arrow.
3) Balance atoms by using coefficients.
2Na + Cl2 ---> 2NaCl
4) Check your work by counting atoms of each element.
DECEMBER 17TH, 2009
If you missed this class, no biggie, HAHA, we didn't do anything.. We actually just cleaned out the lab stations. We were given a list of the stuff in the cupboards and drawers and had to make sure everything was in there. If it wasn't, we had to go get one.
Hard right? I know.. It is.. When you know don't what's what AHAHAH.
(QUEEEEEEEEEEEEEN)
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