Learn balancing chemical equations
Lear balancing chemical equations playing this fun game.
A chemical equation represents the changes that occur during a chemical reaction.
It has the general form: Reactants → Products.
All chemical equations must be balanced. This means that there must be the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the arrow.
Coefficients are used to balance chemical equations. A coefficient is a number placed in front of a chemical symbol or formula. It shows how many atoms or molecules of the substance are involved in the reaction.
To balance a chemical equation, place coefficients as needed in front of the symbols or formulas so the same number of each type of atom occurs in both reactants and products.
Steps in Balancing a Chemical Equation
Balancing a chemical equation involves a certain amount of trial and error. In general, however, you should follow these steps:
- Count each type of atom in reactants and products. Does the same number of each atom appear on both sides of the arrow? If not, the equation is not balanced, and you need to go to step 2.
- Place coefficients, as needed, in front of the symbols or formulas to increase the number of atoms or molecules of the substances. Use the smallest coefficients possible. You cannot change the subscripts in chemical formulas.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the equation is balanced.
Play the game and practice what you learnt.
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