What element should you look at first to balance an equation?

Answer 1

First, make sure you got the right products because if not, it may be impossible to balance. Next, try to count multi-elemental ions such as SO4^-2 as one ion. Then, look at the unique elements that most problems do not see and only appear in one product and reactant. After you balance the "unique" elements, then double check to see if your hydrogens and oxygens are balanced as well. If the equation is simple, they should balance automatically.

Answer 2

When balancing chemical equations, it's best to start with the compound or molecule that is the most complex. Here's an example: C2H6 + O2 --> CO2 + H2O I would start with the compound, C2H6, which is on the reactant side of the equation. I chose C2H6 (ethane) because it not only has multiple types of atoms, but it also contains a large amount of those atoms, compared to any other compound or molecule within the equation. You should leave any elements in their elemental form for last (such as O2). The Solution: Work with the C2H6 molecule has your guide. STEP 1: There are 2 carbons in C2H6, so we need to place a 2 in front of the CO2 as follows: C2H6 + O2 --> 2CO2 + H2O
STEP 2: There are 6 hydrogens in C2H6, thus we need 6 hydrogens on the products side. Place a 3 in front of the H20. There are now 6 hydrogens, as well as 3 oxygens atoms. C2H6 + O2 --> 2CO2 + 3H2O
STEP 3: We now have the most complex molecule accounted for and, we have balanced all the carbon and hydrogen molecules. However, we need to draw our attention to the oxygen atoms. We can fix this by placing 3.5 in front of the O2 (on the reactant side). C2H6 + 3.5O2 --> 2CO2 + 3H2O
STEP 4: The equation is technically balanced, however, you cannot have halves of molecules. In this case, you cannot have three and a half O2 molecules. To fix this, we can now multiply the entire equation by the 2. This doubles the number of all products and reactants, but more importantly, everything is now in whole number ratios. The final balanced chemical equation looks like this: 2C2H6 + 7O2 --> 4CO2 + 6H2O

Answer 3

See there is no rule to look at a specific element.

For example, in the following equation:

Mg+Cl = MgCl2

==Mg+2Cl = MgCl2

Here we see both sides and then decide which element has to be numbered.

Answer 4

Start by balancing the atoms of elements that appear in only one reactant and one product. Typically, balance elements in compounds before balancing individual atoms by using coefficients.

Answer 5

* H2O+CO2 ---> H2CO3 Since Water is neutral we can look at methods of extracting the CO2 first.

Answer 6

Ignore hydrogens or oxygens...they can be easily balanced at the end. Balance the carbons first

Answer 7

you do it all at the same time