Balancing equations homework

• Step 1: Write down the word equation.• Step 2: Replace words with the chemical formula

.• Step 3: Check that there are equal numbers of each

type of atom on both sides of the equation. If not, then balance the equation by using more than one.

• Step 4: Write in the state symbols (s), (l), (g), (aq).Reactants Products

sodium + water hydrogen + sodium hydroxide

+ +

+ +

+ +

Na H2O H2 NaOH

2Na 2H2O 2NaOHH2

2Na(s) 2H2O(l) H2(g) 2NaOH(aq)

Hydrogen doesn’t balance. Use 2 H2O, NaOH, 2Na

Chemical Equations

• Step 1: Write down the word equation.• Step 2: Replace words with the chemical formula

.• Step 3: Check that there are equal numbers of each

type of atom on both sides of the equation. If not, then balance the equation by using more than one.

• Step 4: Write in the state symbols (s), (l), (g), (aq).Reactants Products

magnesium + lead nitrate

magnesium nitrate + lead

+ +

+ +

Mg Mg(NO3)2 Pb

Mg(s) Pb(NO3)2(aq) Mg(NO3)2(aq) Pb(s)

Already balances. Just add state symbols

Pb(NO3)2

Chemical Equations