Chapter 9, Problem 136A

Balance Equations Create a flowchart describing how to balance a chemical equation.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The method to balance a chemical equation needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Chemical equation is the symbolic description of a chemical reaction that products and reactants are indicating in terms of their chemical formula.

Answer to Problem 136A

The flowchart that describes how to balance a chemical equation is as follows:

$\begin{array}{l}\text{First write a skeleton equation}.\\ \downarrow \\ \text{Count the atoms of reactant and product side}.\\ \downarrow \\ \text{Add coefficient so that the number of elements of reactant and product side is same}\text{.} \\ \downarrow \\ \text{To lowest possible integer ratio reduce coefficient}.\\ \downarrow \\ \text{Then check the result}.\end{array}$

Explanation of Solution

The way that describes how to balance a chemical equation is as follows:

1. First write a skeleton equation.
2. Count the atoms of reactant and product side.
3. Add coefficient so that the number of elements of reactant and product side is same.
4. To lowest possible integer ratio reduce coefficient.
5. Then check the result.

Conclusion

The way that describes how to balance a chemical equation is as follows:

First write a skeleton equation then count the atoms of reactant and product side. After counting atoms add coefficient so that the number of elements of reactant and product side is same and to lowest possible integer ratio reduce coefficient. Then check the result.