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Chemistry
Balancing chemical equations
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Change the coefficient in front, keeping each chemical formula unchanged.
The two sides differ
ReactantsProducts
Select an element to trace its atoms.
What the counts mean
A coefficient multiplies every atom in that molecule. A balanced equation has equal counts for every element on the two sides. It does not mean the number of molecules must be equal.
Model notes
- A balanced equation conserves the number of atoms of every element. All-zero coefficients do not constitute a balanced chemical equation.
- The drawings represent composition and illustrative connections, not measured molecular sizes, three-dimensional geometry or a reaction mechanism. Formula units need not be separate molecules in the real substance.
- Changing coefficients compares amounts. It does not simulate reaction speed, required conditions, energy or the reaction occurring spontaneously.