1) write down the word equation for the reaction.
2) Write down the correct formula for each of the reactants and the products.
3) Check that there is the same number of each atom on both sides of the equation.
4) If the equation is already balanced, leave it. If the equation needs balancing write a number in front of one or more of the formulae. This insreases the number of all of the atoms in that element or compound.
5) Make sure you include the state symbols:
(S) solid
(L) liquid
(G) Gas
(AQ) dissolved in water (aqueous solution)
2) Write down the correct formula for each of the reactants and the products.
3) Check that there is the same number of each atom on both sides of the equation.
4) If the equation is already balanced, leave it. If the equation needs balancing write a number in front of one or more of the formulae. This insreases the number of all of the atoms in that element or compound.
5) Make sure you include the state symbols:
(S) solid
(L) liquid
(G) Gas
(AQ) dissolved in water (aqueous solution)