What is the easiets way to balance equations?

Question

It may be simple for so many other people, but it is so hard for me. I find many other things in Chemistry like mole ratios and other stuff to be a breeze but balancing equations really mess with me.

Any suggestions on how to balance equations in a simpler way?

Answer 1

The typical way I balance equations is to first divide the equation into reactants and products. (I usually do this by drawing a vertical line to separate both sides of the equation.) Then I write out every element, usually under the specific molecule. For each element, I write how many (i.e., if my molecule has 2 nitrogen I would write N = 2). One other tip is to include total elements, if more than one molecule has the same element (on one side of the equation). For this, I just total up all of that specific element and then write it in - usually towards the bottom of the page.

Once I have all of my elements listed, with their corresponding numbers, I just start from the left side of the equation and check how many of that element I have on the right side.

When balancing, I typically use whole numbers. If I need to increase the amount of a particular element on the product side, I just put the corresponding number IN FRONT of the molecule. (Remember, you cannot put subscript numbers within the molecule as this will change the specific molecule.)

Just make sure that whenever you change the numbers, you adjust the specific amounts you have listed below. (Don't forget your total element numbers as well.)

Do you have a particular equation you would like to balance?

Answer 2

See bud in the long run online equation balancer won't help u like Fred has suggested. there is an easy way, listen i can't solve them here but i can tell u how to solve them.
(use the online equation balancer incase u want to complete your home work)
anyways here is an example
u need to make 2 columns. 1st column comprise of basic elements next comes the number column
lets take up the ZnO eqn
Zn+ O2->ZnO
This is how i did when i was small
Elements Number
Zn(1) 1
O(2) 1
The bracketed nos. tell u the initial no. on the left side of your eqn.
right column shows the number of atoms of each on right side.
multiply by 2 on right side.(Every time u make an amendment, u edit the table provided)
so the new table looks like
zn(1) 2
o(2) 2
now u have 2 o but 1 Zn so u multiply zn by 2
this was one of the easy qns, u can do the same with the others although there r some which cannot be balanced this way, because then it will be a lot confusing .
hope this helps

Answer 3

Balance the H and O first then look at the other elements. I think that is the way I was taught.

Answer 4

Don't look at the TOTAL number of electrons in each of the elements ... look and the excess or lack of electrons to a shell.

Oxygen needs 2 more electrons to be stable.
Hydrogen has one extra
So 2x H + O is stable as water

Carbon has 4 electrons in an outer shell that needs 8
So 2x O + C is Carbon Dioxide

That help?