Final answer:
To create a balanced equation from a lab, follow these steps: plan the problem, find a balanced equation that describes the reaction, count the number of atoms of each element, adjust the coefficients if needed, and check the balance of atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to create a balanced equation from a lab, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Plan the problem and follow the steps for writing and balancing a chemical equation listed in the text.
- Step 2: Find a balanced equation that describes the reaction. Identify the 'given' information and what the problem is asking you to 'find.' List other known quantities.
- Step 3: Count the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and the number of atoms of each element in the products.
- Step 4: If the equation is not balanced, change the coefficients of the molecules until the number of atoms of each element on either side of the equation balance.
- Step 5: Check that the atoms are in fact balanced.
- Step 6: Add any extra details to the equation e.g. phase symbols.