University:
Georgia Southern University
Course:
CHEM 1310 | Comprehensive General Chemistry
Academic year:

2024
Views:

258

Pages:

1
Author:

Jalen W.

Primer Equation Balancing A. Chemical Equation Writing • When a chemical change is a chemical reaction, a chemical reaction can be described by writing a balanced chemical equation. • A chemical equation is WORTHLESS if IT IS NOT BALANCED. A BALANCED chemical equation restates the LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MATTER. • The numbers used to balance the equation are referred to as the stoichiometric coefficients B. Problem-solving strategy for balancing reactions: • Try to keep very large compounds or complex formulas to 1 or less moles (molecules) • REMEMBER: Formulas of compounds do not change • NOTE: “what you are given is what you have to work with” • Look for polyatomics – balance out • REMEMBER: Ca (OH)2 means you have 2 units of OH • Balance the metal elements in the formula • Balance all nonmetals except H and O • Balance H atoms • Balance O atoms • Final check: simplify to lowest whole number *AFTER EACH BALANCING STEP RECHECK TO SEE IF THE PREVIOUS BALANCED ELEMENTS BECOME UNBALANCED. C. Stoichiometry (molecular bookkeeping): The Interpretation of balanced reaction: CH4 (g)  1 mole  16 grams  + 2 O2 (g) ➔ CO2 (g)  2 moles  64 grams  80 grams  reactants + 2 H2O (g)  one mole  44 grams  yield 80 grams  products  two moles  36 grams 