unbalanced to balanced chemical equation
Answer (1)
To balance a chemical equation, you need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. This is achieved by adding coefficients (numbers in front of chemical formulas) to adjust the number of molecules involved in the reaction. Here's a step-by-step guide to balancing chemical equations:1. Identify the Unbalanced Equation: An unbalanced equation, also known as a skeletal equation, is one where the number of atoms of each element is not equal on both sides of the arrow.Example: Mg + O₂ → MgO.2. Count the Atoms:Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. Example: In Mg + O₂ → MgO, there is 1 Mg and 2 O atoms on the reactant side, and 1 Mg and 1 O atom on the product side. 3. Balance the Elements:Start by balancing the element that appears the least number of times on both sides. Add coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to adjust the number of atoms. Example: To balance the oxygen atoms in Mg + O₂ → MgO, add a coefficient of 2 in front of MgO: Mg + O₂ → 2MgO. Now there are 2 O atoms on both sides. Continue balancing other elements until all elements are balanced. Example: To balance the magnesium atoms, add a coefficient of 2 in front of Mg: 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO. Now there are 2 Mg atoms on both sides. 4. Check Your Work: After balancing the equation, double-check that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.5. Balanced Chemical Equation:The final equation with balanced atoms is the balanced chemical equation. Example: The balanced chemical equation for Mg + O₂ → MgO is 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO. Key Points:Coefficients vs. Subscripts:Coefficients are numbers placed in front of a chemical formula to adjust the number of molecules, while subscripts are numbers within a chemical formula that indicate the number of atoms of an element in a molecule. Law of Conservation of Mass:Balancing chemical equations ensures that the law of conservation of mass is followed, meaning that matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
