Question

How do you work out how to balance a chemical formula that was originally unbalanced?

A) Trial and error method
B) Counting atoms on both sides
C) Using coefficients
D) All of the above

Answer 1

To balance a chemical equation, one can use a combination of methods including trial and error, counting atoms, and using coefficients. This involves writing the skeleton equation, counting atoms, balancing each element, checking the balance, and ensuring that coefficients are in the lowest possible ratio.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance a chemical equation, you can use several methods, including trial and error, counting atoms on both sides, and using coefficients. These approaches often involve the following steps:

1. Determine the correct chemical formulas for each reactant and product and write the skeleton equation.
2. Count the number of atoms of each element in both the reactants and products. Treat polyatomic ions that appear unchanged on both sides as a unit.
3. Balance each element one at a time by placing coefficients in front of the formulas. Begin with elements that appear in only one chemical formula on each side.
4. Check that all atoms or polyatomic ions are equal on both sides of the equation.
5. Adjust all coefficients to obtain the lowest possible ratio.

If during the process you find yourself using large coefficients or not progressing, ensure that you have written the formulas of the reactants and products correctly. Remember never to change the subscripts in a chemical formula, as balancing can only be done by adjusting coefficients.

By following these steps, you can effectively balance a chemical equation and ensure that it adheres to the law of conservation of mass.