Balancing Chemical Equations

The order in which the following steps are performed is important.

While shortcuts are possible, following these steps in order is the best way to be sure you are correct.

1. Check for Diatomic Molecules - 1. Check for Diatomic Molecules - (BrINClHOF)(BrINClHOF)

HH22 - N - N22 - O - O22 - F - F22 - Cl - Cl22 - Br - Br22 - I - I22

If these elements appear If these elements appear by themselvesby themselves in in an equation,an equation,they they mustmust be written with the subscript be written with the subscript 22

Balancing Chemical Equations continued…

2. Balance Metals3. Balance Nonmetals 4. Balance Oxygen 5. Balance Hydrogen 6. Recount All AtomsIf the atoms are not balanced at this point,

there is a problem somewhere. Work your way back up the steps, from bottom to top, until you find the problem, and correct it.

7. If every coefficient will reduce, rewrite in the simplest whole-number ratio.

An equation is not properly balanced if the coefficients are not written in their lowest whole-number ratio

Balancing Chemical Equations continued…

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