Why Do We Balance Equations?
By: Ryan Smith
Explanation
The chemical equation needs to be balanced so that it follows the law of conservation of mass. A balanced equation occurs when the number of the different atoms of elements in the reactants side is equal to that of the products side.
How To Balance The Equation
In order to get the same number of atoms on both sides, we must add something called a coefficient. A coefficient is the number placed before the reactants, multiplying the subscript of the atom by the coefficient number. Once you add the correct coefficients to all atoms, the equation will be balanced.
Reaction #1 - Synthesis
When 2 or more reactants combine to form a single product, it is considered a synthesis reaction.
A+B-->AB
Reaction #2 - Single Displacement
When one reactant is exchanged for one ion of a second reactant, it is considered a single displacement reaction.
A+BC-->B+AC
Reaction #3 - Double Displacement
When 2 compounds exchange ions to form 2 new product compounds, it is considered a double displacement reaction.
AB+CD-->AD+CB