How do you balance a chemical equation?
Chemistry
ScanSolve AI Answer
Answer
Balancing ensures the same number of each atom appears on both sides (conservation of mass).
Steps:
- Write the unbalanced equation
- Count atoms on each side
- Add coefficients (NOT subscripts) to balance
- Start with the most complex molecule
- Balance hydrogen and oxygen last
Example: Fe + O₂ → Fe₂O₃
- Fe: 1 left, 2 right → need 2 Fe on left
- O: 2 left, 3 right → need LCM = 6
- 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃ ✓
Check: 4 Fe each side, 6 O each side. Balanced!
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