Here is a step-by-step synopsis of how to balance a chemical equation:

1. Write the unbalanced equation: Begin by writing the chemical equation for the reaction. The reactants are on the left side and the products are on the right side. They are separated by an arrow.
2. Count the atoms: Count the number of atoms of each element present on both sides of the equation. Start with the elements that appear in the fewest chemical formulas.
3. Adjust coefficients: To balance the equation, add coefficients (whole numbers) in front of the chemical formulas to adjust the number of atoms on each side. Coefficients indicate the relative number of molecules or formula units involved in the reaction.
4. Preserve the law of conservation of mass: As you add coefficients, ensure that the number of atoms of each element are the same on both sides of the equation.
5. Simplify if necessary: After balancing the equation, review the coefficients and simplify them.
6. Check the final equation: Double-check that the equation is balanced by counting the atoms of each element again to ensure they are equal on both sides.

It is important to note that only coefficients are changed during the balancing process, not the subscripts within the chemical formulas. Altering subscripts would result in different compounds altogether.

There are many different types of reactions, so take a look to find out more!

Learn more about balancing chemical equations

• Balancing chemical equations 2 (practice) | Khan Academy
• Balancing Chemical Equations – YouTube
• Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations – LibreTexts
• Balancing Chemical Equations: Practice and Review
• Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations – OpenStax
• Classifying Chemical Reactions – OpenStax
• Balancing Chemical Equations – Interactive Simulations
• Practice Problems- Writing and Balancing Chemical Equations