Scribd
Upload
12 views2 pages

Why Subscripts Can't Change in Balancing

This chapter discusses balancing chemical equations, which involves using the correct chemical formulas and determining coefficients to ensure the number of atoms of each element are equal on both sides of the equation. Formulas cannot be changed when balancing, and coefficients are used to balance the number of reactant and product atoms, with metals typically balanced first followed by nonmetals and then hydrogen and oxygen. Guidelines are provided but there is no single method for balancing equations.

Uploaded by

api-483662721
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views2 pages

Why Subscripts Can't Change in Balancing

This chapter discusses balancing chemical equations, which involves using the correct chemical formulas and determining coefficients to ensure the number of atoms of each element are equal on both sides of the equation. Formulas cannot be changed when balancing, and coefficients are used to balance the number of reactant and product atoms, with metals typically balanced first followed by nonmetals and then hydrogen and oxygen. Guidelines are provided but there is no single method for balancing equations.

Uploaded by

api-483662721
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 9 – Balancing Equations

Word equations use the names of compounds.

ex. sodium + chlorine yields sodium chloride

Formula equations use chemical formulas and


symbols. Determine the correct formulas using
criss-cross.

ex. Na + Cl2  NaCl

When balancing equations, correct formulas cannot


change!!!! (Don’t change the subscripts!)

Equations are balanced with coefficients (the large


number in front of the formula).

# of reactant atoms = # of product atoms


(don’t show coefficients of 1)
Balancing Hints
 Treat polyatomic ions as a unit
 Balance metals first
 Balance nonmetals
 Balancing one atom may unbalance others
 Balance O and H last!
 Recount all atoms as a check
 Reduce if possible—coefficients must be simplest
ratio

Note: There’s not one right way to balance


equations. The above are helpful guidelines, not
rules.

You might also like