Unit 1 Section 2 Balancing Equations

• Count how many atoms of each element you have on both sides of the equation.
• Then use whole number multiples (2, 3, 4, 6 etc) to balance the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
• 1 and 1/2, 2 and 1/2 or 3 and 1/2 etc can be used as well.

• Only the reactant particles are included, but still make sure to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation, just like a normal equation.

To Balance:

• Add individual elements
• Add H2O
• Add H+
• Add e-

Add in this order