Balancing Chemical Equations

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Problem 1 (Example Balancing) : Balance the chemical equation for combustion of penthane

Example balancing chemical equations

Step 1. Insert 1 in front of the most complicated looking chemical compound.
1C₅H₁₂ + O₂ --> CO₂ + H₂O

Step 2. To balance C's, 5 must be inserted in front of CO₂.
1C₅H₁₂ + O₂ --> 5CO₂ + H₂O

Step 3. To balance H's, 6 must be inserted in front of H₂O .
1C₅H₁₂ + O₂ --> 5CO₂ + 6H₂O

Step 4. To balance O's, 8 must be inserted in front of O₂ .
1C₅H₁₂ + 8O₂ = 5CO₂ + 6H₂O

Erase 1 from the equation:

C₅H₁₂ + 8O₂ = 5CO₂ + 6H₂O

The equation is now in balance !
Note (balancing chemical equations): If any fractions should occur, simply multiply the chemical equation by a suitable number. This will be demonstrated in the next problem.

Problem 2 (Example balancing): Balance the chemical equation for combustion of ethane

Example balancing chemical equations

Step 1. Insert 1 in front of the most complicated looking chemical compound.
1C₂H₆ + O₂ --> CO₂ + H₂O

Step 2. To balance C's, 2 must be inserted in front of CO₂.
1C₂H₆ + O₂ --> 2CO₂ + H₂O

Step 3. To balance H's, 3 must be inserted in front of H₂O .
1C₂H₆ + O₂ --> 2CO₂ + 3H₂O

Step 4. To balance O's, 7/2 must be inserted in front of O₂ .
1C₂H₆ + 7/2O₂ = 2CO₂ + 3H₂O

Step 5. Eliminate the fraction 7/2. This can be done by multiplying the chemical equation by 2.
2C₂H₆ + 7O₂ = 4CO₂ + 6H₂O

The equation is now in balance !

More about Writing Chemical Equations

Tab. Gudielines for balancing chemical equations using the CHEMIX School program

Sign/symbol Example Interpretation

+ H2 + O2 .... Separates compounds in equation

> H2 + O2 > H2O Separates left and right side (normally an arrow)

e- Cu + H2O > Cu2O + H+ + e- Electron

Sign/symbol	Example	Interpretation
+	H2 + O2 ....	Separates compounds in equation
>	H2 + O2 > H2O	Separates left and right side (normally an arrow)
e-	Cu + H2O > Cu2O + H+ + e-	Electron

How to download CHEMIX School

Make balancing chemical equations easy by downloading CHEMIX School balancing tool. For downloading CHEMIX School - simply click the download link at the top of this page. Try it.