Balancing Chemical
Equations
STEP 1
• Check all molecular
formulas and make sure
they are neutral, then count
the atoms/mols on both
sides of the equation
STEP 2
• Balance elements in the
following order:
NM, M, Poly, H, O
STEP 3
• When balancing the polys
treat them as one unit if they
appear on both sides of the
equation.
STEP 4
• About element subscripts:
If there is an odd on one side
and an even on the other, put
the odd number in front of the
even.
STEP 5
• Count all atoms/mols on both
sides of the equation and
make sure they are equal.
Helpful Hints
• Combustion equations
sometimes start with a 2 as
the coefficient of the
hydrocarbon.
• Never begin with balancing H
or O!!
YOU ARE BALANCED!!