1. Balancing Equations

2. Rules for Writing and Balancing Equations:
1.Determine the correct formulas for all the reactants and products.
2.Write the skeleton equation. (Use + signs between products and  to separate reactants from products.)

3. 3.Count the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products…left…right…left…right…left…right
4.Balance the elements one at a time by using coefficients. (if no coefficient, assume it to be 1). NEVER balance an equation by changing a subscript!

4. 5.Check each atom when you’re done to be certain they are equal on both sides of the equation.
6.Make sure all your coefficients are in the lowest possible ratio.

5. Count how many of the first element you have on the reactant side.
Zn + HCl  ZnCl2 + H2
1 Zn
Count how many of the first element you have on the reactant side.

6. Zn + HCl  ZnCl2 + H2
1 Zn
1 Zn
Then count how many of that SAME element you have on the product side.

7. Zn + HCl  ZnCl2 + H2 2
1 Zn
1 Zn 2H 1H
If the two numbers are equal, go to next element. If not equal, add a coefficient in front of that compound to make them equal.

8. Zn + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + H2
Continue moving from left to right counting atoms on both sides of the equation and adding coefficients when needed.

9. Zn + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + H2
When you reach the  go back to the beginning and recheck everything…left to right, left to right, left to right.

10. Zn + 2HCl  ZnCl2 + H2
Check your equation one more time to make sure it’s correct. Left to right, left to right, left to right…