Balancing equations?

Question

I am confused about how to balance equations... I am terrible with math and chemistry so it's hard to sort them out. I think the parentheses mix me up! If anyone can help I would really appreciate some step-by-step instructions. Thanks!

NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 ----> Ba(OH)2 + NaNO3

Thanks to everyone who answered! It helped me out quite a bit - hopefully I will pass my test this morning :-)

Answer 1

NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 --> Ba(OH)2 + Na NO3

Let's start a count of each atom, on each side.

Left side:
Na = 1
O = 1 + 3*2 = 7
H = 1
Ba = 1
N = 2

Right side:
Ba = 1
O = 2 + 3 = 5
H = 2
Na = 1
N = 1

The first thing I noticed is that we need one more nitrogen (N) atom on the right side, and only the NaNO3 can give us that (I skipped O and H because they have too many options).

NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 --> Ba(OH)2 + 2 NaNO3

Now we re-count the atoms on each side.

Left side:
Na = 1
O = 1 + 3*2 = 7
H = 1
Ba = 1
N = 2

Right side:
Ba = 1
O = 2+2*3 = 8
H = 2
Na = 2
N = 2

Now we need another sodium (Na) atom on the left side:

2 NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 --> Ba(OH)2 + 2 NaNO3

Now we re-count.

Left side:
Na = 2
O = 2+2*3 = 8
H = 2
Ba = 1
N = 2

Right side:
Ba = 1
O = 2+2*3 = 8
H = 2
Na = 2
N = 2

As you can see, there are an equal number of atoms on each side for each element. I hope this helps!

Answer 2

This is NOT a math problem. This is a house-keeping problem, and the parentheses are the housekeepers. Just think what would happen if you saw BaNO3NO3, which is what Ba(NO3)2 means.

To balance this, you got to count noses. If you dont have enough noses on one side, you do something about it.

For example, you see that there are 2 - OH on the right side and only one on the left. So we need more OH as a reactant. However, with the OH, you get the Na. So you would have
2 NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 -> Ba(OH)2 + NaNO3.
Back to counting, we find that while there are 2 Na on the left, there is only one on the right. Moreover, while there are 2 NO3 groups on the left, there is only one on the right. So we double the number of NaNO3 in the reaction. We wind up with
2NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 -> Ba(OH)2 + 2 NaNO3
which is correct.

Answer 3

I know what you mean but you can do it!!
First i find it easier to write the numbers on top like this.
0 0 0 6 0 2 0 3
NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 --->Ba(OH)2 + NaNo3
Then make sure both sides equal each other!
2 2 0 6 0 2 2 6
2NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 --->Ba(OH)2 + 2NaNo3

Na=2 OH=2 NO=6 (3x2=6) Ba=0

I hope this helps I hope thats right too!!

Good Luck!!! don't give up :)
When i submitted it the numbers above the equation kinda smooshed together so each number is just moved over like this:
2
2Na every number is above a different one sorry it kinda looks a code!!! Haha

Answer 4

First identify the positively charged and negatively charged species.
They are (Na+ and Ba+2 ) and (OH- and NO3- respectively)

If the complex names are bothering you, you can substitute them with letters, like A,B,C and D respectively. Remember that they will carry the same charges.

We have BC2 in the products. This means that we are going to need 2 C's in the reactant side as well. So just multiply AC by 2. Now the equation becomes
2AC + BD2 ------> BC2 + AD

So, we have 2 A's and D's in the reactant side. We need them on the product side as well. So, just multiply AD by 2.

The reaction is
2AC + BD2 --------> BC2 + 2AD.
Replace A,B,C and D
2NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 -------> Ba(OH)2 + 2NaNO3

Answer 5

The parts in parentheses represent complex ions, so they're always present as a unit. You can use that to simplify equation balancing problems in the future. Other hints:

--If an element is present in just one compound on each side of the equation, try balancing that one first.
--Balance any reactants or products that exist as free element (e.g., I2) last.

Answer 6

This website gives you a step by step tutorial on how to balance equations and it helps you understand it a little better.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

2NaOH + Ba(NO3)2 ----> Ba(OH)2 + 2NaNO3