How to balance complicated chemical equations?

Question

Mateo Aguilar · Accepted Answer

Every chemical equation balances MASS and CHARGE.......

You gots a metal carbonate, say #ZnCO_3(s)#: #ZnCO_3(s) + 2HCl(aq) rarr ZnCl_2(aq) + CO_2(g)uarr+H_2O(l)# Are mass and charge balanced here? If they are not then you cannot accept the equation as a representation of chemical reality. And if you start with #10*g# of reactant from all sources, you inevitably finish with #10*g# product....... "Mass and charge are CONSERVED" is the lesson I try to emphasize. These insoluble salts, known as carbonates, react with acids using the net ionic equation that follows. #CO_3^(2-) + 2H^(+) rarr CO_2(g) +H_2O(l)# All you need to do is understand these reactions and how to stoichiometrically balance them. The same is true for bicarbonates. #HCO_3^(-) + H^(+) rarr CO_2(g)uarr + H_2O(l)# The solubility of bicarbonate salts is generally higher than that of carbonate salts; however, this is a matter best left to experimentation.

Henry Antrim · Answer

undefined To balance complicated chemical equations, follow these steps:
1. Write down the unbalanced equation.
2. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
3. Begin balancing with the most complex molecule or the one containing the most atoms.
4. Adjust coefficients to balance the number of atoms on each side of the equation.
5. Recheck the equation to ensure it is balanced.
6. If necessary, repeat the process until all atoms are balanced.