Question

Any tricks on chemical equations that might be helpful?

Answer 1

Answer:

By using the below method, you can easily balance complex chemical equations.

Lets take an example chemical equation:

C₇H₁₆(l) + O₂(g) ------> CO₂(g) + H₂O(g)

Now follow the steps below to balance this equation more accurately and easily than trial and error method.

Step 1: Assign variables to each compounds in reactants and products side

Let C₇H₁₆ = a

O₂ = b

CO₂ = c

H₂O = d

Step 2: Now equate the variables according to the number of atoms in a specific element present in reactant and product side.

a has 7 carbons and c has 1 carbon

so it would be, 7a = c

likewise, a has 16 hydrogens and d has 2 hydrogens

So, 16a = 2d

=> 8a = d

Similarly, b has 2 oxygens ,c has 2 oxygens and d has 1 oxygen

So, 2b = 2c + d

Therefore, the equations we’ve got are ;

7a = c——(1)

8a = d——(2)

2b = 2c + d——-(3)

Step 3: Now solve for the variables.

For simplicity sake let’s assume a = 1

So, c = 7 (acc. to 1)

d = 8(acc. to 2)

2b = 2(7) + 8(acc. to 3)

b = 11

Values of the variable are: a=1 ; b = 11; c = 7 ; d = 8

Therefore the resultant balanced equation is;

C₇H₁₆(l) + 11O₂(g) ------> 7CO₂(g) + 8H₂O(g)

Hope the explanation is clear.

Thank you!