Chemical Equation Checklist

 Are all the elements in the reactants also present in the products?
o H2O → H2 + O2 – yes
o H2O → H2 – no
 Are there equal amounts of each element on both sides of the equation?
o 2H2O ----2H2 + O2 (Four hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms on each side.)
o If no coefficient is present, assume 1 in front of the element.
 Are the atoms accurately bonded?
o The subscripts in the compound or molecule must balance to a neutral molecule.

4Na + O2 → 2Na2O

Na2O is correct because O with charge of 2− which is made neutral by two Na

ions with a 1+ charge.
 Do the names of the compounds match the formulas in the chemical equation?
o Reference the naming system of chemical compounds to be sure chemical formulas in
equations are written correctly.
 Does the chemical equation follow any of the patterns for chemical reactions?
o If the chemical equation doesn't match any of the chemical reaction patterns below,
double check the chemical reaction for accuracy.

Synthesis Reactions A + B → AB

Decomposition Reactions AB → A + B

Double Replacement AB + CD → AD + CB

Single Replacement A + BC → AC + B

Combustion (organic) CxHx + O2 → H2O + CO2

Combustion (inorganic) A + O2 → AOx

Oxidation-reduction A (loses electrons) + B (gains electrons)

Oxidized Reduced