Does anyone have simple rules for balancing chemical equations? it takes me forever! here’s an example: c2h6o + o2 > co2 + h2o.

C2H6O + 3 O2 > 2 CO2 + 3 H2O

Explanation: Here's how to do balancing chemical equations.

Check first the number of atoms on each individual elements in both the reactant and product side.

C has 2 atoms in the reactant so we will put 2 on CO2. Next inspect H. It has 6 atoms in the reactant and 2 in the product side in H2O. So we will put 3 in H2O so it will have 6 atoms in the product. O in the product side has 7 atoms. Because of 2 CO2 and 3 H2O. While on the reactant side it has 3 atoms. So we will put 3 in O2 so it will have 6 atoms plus one atom of oxygen in C2H6O

C2H6O + 3O2 —> 2CO2 + 3H2O

Explanation: To balance an equation, just ensure that the total number of atoms on left hand side of the equation must equal that on the right hand side. However, some reaction involving hydrocarbon and oxygen requires skillful thinking. The formula in the image will help in balancing sure equation