Worked Example Problem
Tin oxide is heated with hydrogen gas to form tin metal and water vapor. Write the balanced equation that describes this reaction.
SnO2 + H2 → Sn + H2O
Refer to Table of Common Polyatomic Ions and Formulas of Ionic Compounds if you have trouble writing the chemical formulas of the products and reactants.
Look at the equation and see which elements are not balanced. In this case, there are two oxygen atoms on the lefthand side of the equation and only one on the righthand side. Correct this by putting a coefficient of 2 in front of water:
SnO2 + H2 → Sn + 2 H2O
This puts the hydrogen atoms out of balance. Now there are two hydrogen atoms on the left and four hydrogen atoms on the right. To get four hydrogen atoms on the right, add a coefficient of 2 for the hydrogen gas. Remember, coefficients are multipliers, so if we write 2 H2O it denotes 2x2=4 hydrogen atoms and 2x1=2 oxygen atoms.
SnO2 + 2 H2 → Sn + 2 H2O
The equation is now balanced. Be sure to double-check your math! Each side of the equation has 1 atom of Sn, 2 atoms of O, and 4 atoms of H.
To do this, you need to be familiar with the properties of various compounds or you need to be told what the phases are for the chemicals in the reaction. Oxides are solids, hydrogen forms a diatomic gas, tin is a solid, and the term 'water vapor' indicates that water is in the gas phase:
SnO2(s) + 2 H2(g) → Sn(s) + 2 H2O(g)
Determine how long the reaction will take. apex
Which of the following are steps for balancing chemical equations? Check all that apply. B. Choose coefficients that will balance the equation. And D. Recheck the numbers of each atom on each side of the equation to make sure the sides are equal. Apex
Zn + HCl → ZnCl2 + H2 Mg + O2 → MgO Skeleton Equations are the equations in which there is only chemical formula of reactants and products but no state mentioned and no balancing of atoms on either side of Equation done.
It is more simple and practical.
the law of conservation of mass
Single atoms should be done last Balancing chemicals equations involves trial and error
The conservation of mass
chemical equations
Determine how long the reaction will take. apex
Lots of practice is needed. Not just mental practice, but written practice is needed.
Which of the following are steps for balancing chemical equations? Check all that apply. B. Choose coefficients that will balance the equation. And D. Recheck the numbers of each atom on each side of the equation to make sure the sides are equal. Apex
It is called spacial stasis, or iso-spacial maintenance that constantly needs feedback. As for Chemistry, chemical equations are forever in need of balancing; Accounting is the profession of balancing 'the Books'.
Zn + HCl → ZnCl2 + H2 Mg + O2 → MgO Skeleton Equations are the equations in which there is only chemical formula of reactants and products but no state mentioned and no balancing of atoms on either side of Equation done.
It is more simple and practical.
the law of conservation of mass
chemical equations
GO to Google.com and type in balancing chemical equations and click the 3rd one. It balances it for you. Just type in the formula. :]