Balancing Chemical Equations Test Questions

Tips for Balancing Equations

1) When balancing equations, remember the number of atoms of each element needs to be the same on both sides of the equation. 2) The coefficients (numbers in front of a species) are multiplied by every atom in that chemical. 3) The subscripts are multiplied only by the affected atom. 4) To start balancing, begin with less-common elements, like metal atoms or oxygen, and leave hydrogen atoms for last (they are usually the easiest to balance. 5) Be sure to check your work! Make a tally of all the atoms of each element on each side of the equation. Are they the same? Good! If not, go back and rework the coefficients and subscripts. 6) Although this test did not cover it, it's good practice to indicate the state of matter for each chemical species (s for solid, l for liquid, g for gas, and aq for a species in aqueous solution).