Balancing Chemical Equations

To make sure the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation

To make the equation look neat

To use as many elements as possible

To change the products of the reaction

H2 and O2

H2O and O2

H2O and H2

H2O only

The direction of the reaction and how much of each substance is needed or produced in a reaction.

The temperature at which the reaction occurs.

The color change during the reaction.

The speed of the reaction.

2

1

3

4

The traditional method involves trial and error to ensure the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation.

The traditional method uses advanced mathematical algorithms to balance equations.

The traditional method ignores the conservation of mass.

The traditional method only balances equations for organic compounds.

The same number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation

The use of only one type of atom

The reaction happens faster

The equation uses only symbols

Traditional method

Algebraic method

Balancing by inspection

Guess and check

symbols

numbers

arrows

letters

reactants

products

catalysts

solvents

A technique for balancing chemical equations by assigning variables to the stoichiometric coefficients and solving a system of equations.

The substances that are initially involved in a chemical reaction and undergo change.

Representations of chemical reactions using symbols and formulas to show the rearrangement of atoms.

The substances that are formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

The numbers placed in front of chemical formulas in a balanced equation to indicate the relative amounts of each substance involved in the reaction.