I'm confused with Equation Balancing...?

Question

Please explain this to me... If i were to balance the equation Ch4+O2>CO2+H2O + energy, and i start with balancing the Oxygen atoms, then the Hydrogen, then the Carbon. Why do i end up with a different equation if i balance let's say....H first. Does the order the the elements matter? How can i do this correctly?

Answer 1

omgg im learning this...we were taught to balance oxygen always last since it very complicated...i hope this tip helps.. also always start off balancing elements other than hydrogen and oxygen since hydrogen is usually linked with oxygen...i hope this helps

Answer 2

The order shouIdn't matter, but for the more complicated equations, some orders of solving are easier than others. For the given equation, it would balance this way

Starting with:
CH4 + O2 ---> CO2 + H2O

Do the C/CO2 part first; initially, I need 1 O2 to react the "carbon part" of the CH4 So:

CH4 + O2 ---> CO2 + 4 H's

Now we need to increase the amount of oxygen sufficiently convert the left over hydrogens to water; we need 1 more O2:

CH4 + 2 O2 ---> CO2 + 2 H2O

If you do hydrogens first, starting from:

CH4 + O2 ---> CO2 + H2O

Using up the hydrogens first:

CH4 + O2 ---> C + 2 H2O

Now adding enough oxygen to react the carbon:

CH4 + 2 O2 ---> CO2 + 2 H2O

You get the same equation.

If you get a situation where you need "half an O2" like:

C2H6 + 3 1/2 O2 ---> 2 CO2 + 3 H20

You need to double everything so you will get whole numbers.

Answer 3

When you are balancing an equation, you have to make sure that every element on each side balances altogether, hence "balancing the equation".

For example a simple one:

H2 + O2 ==> H2O

Note: LHE = Left Hand Equation
RHE = Right Hand Equation

Count the elements on the LHE:
H = 2
O = 2
and count the elements on the RHE:
H = 2
O = 1

Since it isn't balanced, you put a coefficient of 2 on the RHE.

2H(2) + O2 ==> 2H(2)O NOTE: (x) = subscript

then check:
LHE:
H = 4
O = 2
RHE:
H= 4
O = 2

Also, the order of the elements does matter, so don't switch them around. And note don't change the subscript. Oh wellz I hoped I help you. ^^"

Another hint: Deal with balancing other elements first then leave Oxygen, Carbon and Hydrogen last.

Happy balancing!!!

Gin Lawliet.

Answer 4

i think you are thinking of half equashions, all you need to do here is make sure you have the same number of atoms on each side.
so the answer is

Ch4+ 2 O2> CO2+ 2 H2O

the order in which you balance it out wont matter. for combustion i find it easyer to to balance everything other then oxigen first and then balance oxigen otherwise you will be forever fiddling with it.