Final answer:
Balancing a chemical equation involves adjusting the coefficients in front of the reactants and products to ensure there is the same number and types of atoms on both sides of the equation. This is done step-by-step, starting with the most complex substance and choosing elements that appear in only one reactant and one product. The goal is to achieve a balanced equation where mass is conserved and there are equal numbers of atoms of each element on both sides.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you balance a chemical equation, you are making sure that the same number and types of atoms appear on each side of the arrow. This is done by adjusting the coefficients in front of the reactants and products until the equation is balanced. For example, in the equation H₂ + O2 → H₂O, the coefficient '2' is added in front of H₂O to balance the equation.
There are several steps to balancing a chemical equation. First, identify the most complex substance. Then, choose an element that appears in only one reactant and one product and adjust the coefficients to have the same number of atoms on both sides. Balance polyatomic ions as a unit and balance the remaining atoms using fractional coefficients if necessary. Finally, count the numbers of atoms on each side to ensure the equation is balanced.
It is important to balance chemical equations because it ensures that mass is conserved and there are equal numbers of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. This is in accordance with the law of conservation of matter. Balancing chemical equations is done through a trial-and-error approach, checking the number of atoms of each element on each side and adjusting coefficients as needed until all elements are balanced.