How to Write Balanced Chemical Equations

1. Write a skeletal equation by writing correct chemical formulas for each of the reactants and products. Review Chapter 5 for nomenclature rules. (If a skeletal equation is provided, skip this step and go to Step 2.)

2. If an element occurs in only one compound on both sides of the equation, balance it first. If there is more than one such element, balance metals before nonmetals.