Chapter 9 – Balancing Equations

Word equations use the names of compounds.

ex. sodium + chlorine yields sodium chloride

Formula equations use chemical formulas and

symbols. Determine the correct formulas using
criss-cross.

ex. Na + Cl2  NaCl

When balancing equations, correct formulas cannot

change!!!! (Don’t change the subscripts!)

Equations are balanced with coefficients (the large

number in front of the formula).

# of reactant atoms = # of product atoms

(don’t show coefficients of 1)
Balancing Hints
 Treat polyatomic ions as a unit
 Balance metals first
 Balance nonmetals
 Balancing one atom may unbalance others
 Balance O and H last!
 Recount all atoms as a check
 Reduce if possible—coefficients must be simplest
ratio

Note: There’s not one right way to balance

equations. The above are helpful guidelines, not
rules.