How to balance a chemical equation.

Balancing chemical equations can seem tricky at first, especially when starting out. But by following an order it becomes a quick and easy task.

For the sake of this question, we'll balance this equation:
C5H12 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

It's easiest to start from left to right and work your way along until the equation is balanced, then any cancellation can be done.

1. C5H12 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
We can see there are 5 carbons on the left and only 1 on the right, so balance the carbons first.

2. C5H12 + O2 → 5CO2 + H2O2. C5H12 + O2 → 5CO2 + H2O
There are 12 hydrogens on the left but only 2 on the right, so multiply by 6 to balance.

3. C5H12 + O2 → 5CO2 + 6H2O3. C5H12 + O2 → 5CO2 + 6H2O
Now the right hand side has much more oxygens than the left, 10 from the 5COand 6 from the 6H2O for a total of 16.

So, multiply the O2 on the left by 8 to get:

16.C5H12 + 8O2 → 5CO2 + H2O

And there you go, the equation is balanced. Working systematically works for even complicated equations.

YM
Answered by Youssef M. Chemistry tutor

4928 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A student carries out an experiment to determine the melting point of a waxy solid. She heats a sample until it melts, then measures and records its temperature as it cools down. Explain how the student could use her results to decide whether the waxy


Describe the differences in molecular structure between graphite and diamond, and use this to explain their differing properties.


Explain the bonding in a metal complex, compare this to an ionic compound and covalent bonding


Explain how we can increase the rate of a chemical reaction.(6 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences