balancing equations
Balancing Equations
Balancing equations is a fundamental skill in Chemistry. Solving a system of linear equations is a fundamental skill in Algebra. Remarkably, these two field specialties are intrinsically and inherently linked.
2 + O2 ----> H2OA. This is not a difficult task and can easily be accomplished using some basic problem solving skills. In fact, what follows is a chemistry text's explanation of the situation:
Taken from: Chemistry
Wilberham, Staley, Simpson, Matta
Addison Wesley
1. Determine the correct formulas for all the reactants and products in the reaction.
2. Write the formulas for the reactants on the left and the formulas for the products on the right with an arrow in between. If two or more reactants or products are involved, separate their formulas with plus signs.
3. Count the number of atoms of each element in the reactants a products. A polyatomic ion appearing unchanged on both sides of the equation is counted as a single unit.
4. Balance the elements one at a time by using coefficients. A is a small whole number that appears in front of a formula a an equation. When no coefficient is written, it is assumed to be 1. It is best to begin with an element other than hydrogen or oxygen. These two elements often occur more than twice in an equation.
5. Check each atom or polyatomic ion to be sure that the equation is balanced.
6. Finally, make sure that all the coefficients are in the lowest possible ratio.
Now let's use these rules to balance the equation for the formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen.
Example 3
When hydrogen and oxygen react, the product is water. Write a balanced equation for this reaction.
Solution
Since the chemical formulas of the reactants and products are known, we can write a skeleton equation.
H2(g) + O2(g) H2O(l)
Hydrogen is balanced but oxygen is not. If we put a coefficient of 2 in front of H2O, the oxygen becomes balanced.
H2(g) + O2(g) 2H2O(l)
Now
Balancing equations is a fundamental skill in Chemistry. Solving a system of linear equations is a fundamental skill in Algebra. Remarkably, these two field specialties are intrinsically and inherently linked.
2 + O2 ----> H2OA. This is not a difficult task and can easily be accomplished using some basic problem solving skills. In fact, what follows is a chemistry text's explanation of the situation:
Taken from: Chemistry
Wilberham, Staley, Simpson, Matta
Addison Wesley
1. Determine the correct formulas for all the reactants and products in the reaction.
2. Write the formulas for the reactants on the left and the formulas for the products on the right with an arrow in between. If two or more reactants or products are involved, separate their formulas with plus signs.
3. Count the number of atoms of each element in the reactants a products. A polyatomic ion appearing unchanged on both sides of the equation is counted as a single unit.
4. Balance the elements one at a time by using coefficients. A is a small whole number that appears in front of a formula a an equation. When no coefficient is written, it is assumed to be 1. It is best to begin with an element other than hydrogen or oxygen. These two elements often occur more than twice in an equation.
5. Check each atom or polyatomic ion to be sure that the equation is balanced.
6. Finally, make sure that all the coefficients are in the lowest possible ratio.
Now let's use these rules to balance the equation for the formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen.
Example 3
When hydrogen and oxygen react, the product is water. Write a balanced equation for this reaction.
Solution
Since the chemical formulas of the reactants and products are known, we can write a skeleton equation.
H2(g) + O2(g) H2O(l)
Hydrogen is balanced but oxygen is not. If we put a coefficient of 2 in front of H2O, the oxygen becomes balanced.
H2(g) + O2(g) 2H2O(l)
Now