CHEMICAL

EQUATIONS & THE

LAW
S8P1e &g

The Law of Conservation of

Matter
States atoms are not created or destroyed during a

chemical reaction.
This is demonstrated in chemical equations.
The elements on the left side of the equation are
called the reactants.
The elements on the right side of the equation are
called the products.
Example:
Fe + S
FeS

Balancing Chemical
Equations

There must be the same number of

atoms on each side of the equation.
To balance the chemical equation,
you must add coefficients in front of
the chemical formulas in the
equation.
You cannot add or remove
C + 2O
CO2
subscripts!!

Steps to Balance an Equation

Step 1: Create an element
inventory.
NaOH

H2SO4

Na2SO4 + H2O

Eleme Reactan Product

nt
ts
s

Na
O
H
S

1
5
3
1

2
5
2
1

Steps to Balance an Equation

Step 2: Add coefficients to balance
the equation. Adding coefficients
multiplies the number of atoms.
Change your inventory as you
2NaOH + H2SO4
Na2SO4 + H2O
multiply!
Eleme Reactan Product
nt
ts
s

Na
O
H

2
6
4

2
5
2

Steps to Balance an Equation

Step 3: If you added coefficients to
one side you have to make sure the
other side is still balanced!
2NaOH

H2SO4

Na2SO4 + 2H2O

Eleme Reactan Product

nt
ts
s

Na
O
H

2
6
4

2
6
4

This
equation
is now
BALANCE
D!