Balancing Equations
1. Write a balanced equation for the reaction between solid silicon dioxide and solid
carbon to produce solid silicon carbide and carbon monoxide gas.
SiO2(s) + 3 C(s) → SiC(s) + CO2(g)
2. Write a balanced equation for the combustion of liquid octane (C8H18).
2 C8H18(l) + 25 O2(g) → 16 CO2 (g) + 18 H2O(g) or (l)
3. Write a balanced equation for the reaction of solid aluminum with aqueous
sulfuric acid to form aqueous aluminum sulfate and hydrogen gas.
2 Al(s) + 3 H2SO4(aq) → Al2(SO4)3(aq) +3 H2(g)
4. Write a balanced equation for the reaction of solid iron with aqueous hydrochloric
acid to form aqueous iron (III) chloride and hydrogen gas.
2 Fe(s) + 6 HCl(aq) → 2 FeCl3(aq) + 3 H2(g)
5. Write a balanced equation for the reaction of aqueous lead (II) acetate with
aqueous potassium iodide to form solid lead (II) iodide and aqueous potassium
acetate.
Pb(C2H3O2)2(aq) + 2 KI(aq) → PbI2(s) + 2 KC2H3O2(aq)
What was the process you used to solve these problems? Write down the steps you used:
1. Figure out formulas of reactants and products involved (if not given).
2. If any element appears in only one compound on both sides of the equation, balance
that one first.
3. If an element appears as a free element on either side of the reaction, balance it last.
4. If the balanced equation contains coefficient fractions, clear those by multiplying the
whole equation by the appropriate factor.
5. Check to make sure the equation is balanced by summing the total number of each
type of atom on both sides of the equation.