It is of most importance for a chemist to be able to write correctly balanced equations and to interpret equations written by others. This document is intended to help you, the chemistry student, learn the basics of writing and balancing equations, how to predict the products of four general types of inorganic reactions and how to write and balance equations for the combustion of hydrocarbons. There are also practice exercises for each section.
Equations show chemistry in action.
A chemical reaction must account for every atom that is used. This is an application of the Law of Conservation of Matter which states that in a chemical reaction atoms are neither created nor destroyed. A D above the arrow shows that heat has been added. Before beginning to balance an equation, check each formula to see that it is correct. Balancing is done by placing coefficients in front of the formulas to insure the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the arrow.