Balancing equations
• Check that the Synthesis reaction is selected and
that all coefficients are set to one. (The
coefficients are the numbers in the boxes.)
Introduction: The equation H, + O, H, O is unbalanced because there are two oxygen atoms
on the reactants side of the equation, and only one on the products side of the equation. To
balance the equation, you cannot change the structure of any of the molecules, but you can
change the number of molecules that are used.
Question: How are chemical equations balanced?
1. Balance: Tum on Show histograms. The equation is balanced when there are equal
numbers of each type of atom represented on each side of the equation.
In the Gizmo, use the up and down arrows to adjust the numbers of hydrogen, oxygen, and
water molecules until the equation is balanced. When you are done, turn on Show
summary to check your answer.
Write the balanced equation here:
H2+
Н,0
to see other