BBC

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Balancing Equations
CO2 H2O ? O2 C6H12O6 -How many C, H, and O
are on the reactant side? How many C, H, and O
are on the product side? -A balanced equation is
one where all the atoms of the reactants must be
accounted for in the products. To balance the
equation 1. Do an inventory to determine how
many of each atom are on each side of the
equation. Left Side Right Side
1 C 3 O 2 H
6 C 8 O 12 H
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Balancing Equations
2. If the result is not equal for all atoms,
change coefficients (not subscripts) until
balance is achieved. 6 CO2 6 H2O ? 6 O2
C6H12O6 How many C, O, and H are on the
reactant side? How many C, O, and H are on
the product side? Left Side
Right Side
6 C 18 O 12 H
6 C 18 O 12 H
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Balancing Equations
Steps 1. Start with the most complicated
molecule. Often, it will be the one with the
most elements. Or, go with the one with the most
atoms. 2. Go element by element to determine what
coefficients are necessary so that the same
number of each type of atom appears on both sides
of the equation. 3. Check your answers to make
sure everything is balanced and that the
coefficients used are the smallest they can be.