Balancing Chemical Equations Steps

The video tutorial explains how to balance the combustion reaction of dimethyl sulfide (C2H6S) with oxygen (O2). It begins by identifying the type of reaction and counting the atoms in both reactants and products. The tutorial then demonstrates balancing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, addressing challenges like odd oxygen counts by using fractions. Finally, it shows how to achieve a balanced equation with whole numbers, providing a clear understanding of the balancing process.

What type of reaction is occurring when dimethyl sulfide reacts with oxygen?

• Combustion

• Decomposition

• Single Replacement

• Synthesis

How many carbon atoms are present in the reactants of the given equation?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

In the products, how many oxygen atoms are initially counted?

• Four

• Six

• Three

• Five

What is the first step in balancing the equation after counting the atoms?

• Balance the hydrogen atoms

• Balance the oxygen atoms

• Balance the sulfur atoms

• Balance the carbon atoms

After balancing carbon, how many oxygen atoms are there in total?

• Eight

• Five

• Six

• Seven

What is the next step after balancing carbon atoms?

• Balance the oxygen atoms

• Balance the sulfur atoms

• Balance the hydrogen atoms

• Balance the nitrogen atoms

How is the odd number of oxygen atoms addressed in the equation?

• By adding more reactants

• By using a fraction

• By removing products

• By changing the reaction type

What fraction is used to balance the oxygen atoms?

• 9/2

• 3/2

• 5/2

• 7/2

Why might some teachers prefer not to use fractions in balancing equations?

• Fractions are too complex

• Fractions are not whole numbers

• Fractions are not allowed in chemistry

• Fractions are not accurate

What is the final step to ensure the equation is balanced with whole numbers?

• Divide all coefficients by 2

• Multiply all coefficients by 2

• Add 1 to all coefficients

• Subtract 1 from all coefficients