1. Balancing Chemical Equations

2. Chemical Equations
Chemical formulas are written to show a chemical reaction.
The element symbols from the periodic table are used
Reactant- starting materials; on the left side of an equation
Product- the substance formed as a result of the reaction; on the right side of the equation

3. Understanding Symbols
CO2: Carbon dioxide
1 Carbon atom
2 Oxygen atoms
CO: Carbon monoxide
1 Oxygen atom
Co: Cobalt
1 Cobalt atom
Coefficients are placed in front and change all that follows
2C2H6
4 Carbon atoms
12 Hydrogen atoms

4. Conservation of Mass
Conservation of mass states that whatever mass we start with, we must end with. Matter can not be created or destroyed.
Therefore, however many atoms of an element we start with we must end with.
# of Reactants = # of Products
The equation must be balanced or equal on both sides.

5. Steps to balance an equation
Write out the formula correctly
Write a list of the elements present on each side
Count the numbers of each element on both side
Balance the equation using coefficients
Coefficients change the numbers of everything they are in front of!!!
Recount and redo as necessary and make sure coefficients are reduced.

6. Practice

7. Practice H2 + O2  H2O Na + O2  Na2O N2 + H2 NH3 P4 + O2  P4O6
C + H2  CH4