Chapter 5 - 5.2 Balancing Chemical Equations

Step 2

Add appropriate coefficients to balance the numbers of atoms of each element H2SO4 + NaOH --> Na2SO4 + H2O (Unbalanced) H2SO4 + 2NaOH --> Na2SO4 + 2H2O (Balanced)

Step 3

Check the equation to make sure the numbers and kinds of atoms on both sides of the equation are the same

Step 4

Make sure the coefficients are reduced to their lowest whole-number values i.e. 2H2DO4 + 4NaOH --> 2Na2SO4 + 4H2O can be simplified by dividing all coefficients by 2: H2SO4 + 2NaOH --> Na2SO4 + 2H2O

Step 1

write an unbalanced equation, using the correct formulas for all given reactants and products (i.e. H and O should be written as H2 and O2 because both elements exist as diatomic molecules)