10

Science
Quarter 4 - Module 6

Balancing Chemical Equations

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Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

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Quarter 4 – Module 6: Balancing Chemical Equations
Second Edition, Revised 2021

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Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cebu City Schools Division
Superintendent: Rhea Mar A. Angtud, EdD

Development Team of the Module

Writer:
Bonnie James A. Saclolo, Teacher III, Cebu City National Science HS

Content Editors:
Dr. Deogenes R. Adoptante, Principal I, Mambaling National HS
Mrs. Arnolfa A. Demellites, Principal I, Guba National HS

Language Editor:
Mrs. Wilma Y. Villaflor, Principal III , Don Vicente Rama Mem. ES

Management Team:
Dr. Rhea Mar A. Angtud, Schools Division Superintendent
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INTRODUCTION:
Hi there!
You are now in module 6 of quarter 4.
Congratulations!
This module aims to teach you how to
correctly write chemical equations such that
they obey fundamental conservation laws.
Before you proceed, it is highly
recommended that you review the concepts
that you learned about chemical reactions
and chemical equations. They will be crucial
in understanding how we balance chemical
equations.

This module is based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competency (MELC)

Number 3 for Science 10, Quarter 4.

Learning Competencies:

“Apply the principles of conservation of mass to chemical reactions.”

(S10MT-IVe-g-23).

There are three lessons in this module:

• Lesson 1 – Law of Conservation of Mass
• Lesson 2 – Balancing A Chemical Equation via Inspection
• Lesson 3 – Balancing A Chemical Equation via Algebraic Method

What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you are expected to accomplish the following specific
learning objectives unpacked from the competencies:

1. State the law of conservation of mass

2. Explain why a chemical reaction must follow conservation of mass
3. Describe the steps in balancing a chemical equation
4. Balance a chemical equation via inspection method
5. Balance a chemical equation via algebraic method

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 What I Know

Before starting the learning process, it is important to know how familiar you
already are with the concepts in this topic. Please answer the pre-test before
proceeding.

PRE-ASSESSMENT: Select from the choices the word or phrase that

completes the following concepts. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1) The process of writing in the correct coefficients of a chemical equation that

conserves the number of atoms of each element is called ____________ a
chemical equation.
a. balancing b. checking c. simplifying d. solving

2) The law of __________________ dictates that the total mass of the reactants
in chemical reaction must be equal to the total mass of its products.
a. algebraic expression c. conservation of energy
b. conservation of mass d. reactant-product equality

3) To calculate the number of atoms in a term of a chemical equation, the subscript

of an element must be ___________ to the coefficient of its substance or
molecule.
a. added b. divided c. multiplied d. subtracted

4) A/an _____________ chemical equation is one that does not follow the
fundamental conservation law that governs chemical reactions.
a. balanced b. correct c. incorrect d. unbalanced

5) The ___________ method of balancing chemical equations includes stepwise

systematic manual adjustments to the coefficients of a chemical equation until
balance is achieved.
a. algebraic b. coefficient c. inspection d. trial-and-error

6) In order to keep track of the number of atoms of each of the elements that are
involved in a chemical reaction a/an _______________ is often used.
a. accounting table c. list of substances
b. chemical formula d. algebraic expression

7) The ___________ method of balancing a chemical equation uses mathematical

expressions equating the number of atoms on both sides of the equation.
a. algebraic b. coefficient c. inspection d. trial-and-error

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 8) Two molecules of ammonia (NH3) can be produced from two molecules of
nitrogen gas and ____ molecules of hydrogen gas (H2).
a. two b. three c. four d. six

9) There are _______ atoms of nitrogen (N) in 3 molecules of aluminum nitrate

[Al(NO3)3].
a. one b. three c. four d. nine

10) In the chemical equation “ “, there are ____

oxygen atoms on the reactant side.
a. three b. four c. ten d. fifteen

11) The ___________ technique of solving for a coefficient of a chemical equation

from a mathematical expression uses an assumed value of one unknown.
a. assumption b. elimination c. guessing d. substitution

12) The ___________ technique adds or subtracts two equations together in order
to cancel out one variable.
a. assumption b. elimination c. guessing d. substitution

13) A properly written balanced chemical equation must have its coefficients in the
lowest _______ number terms.
a. fractional b. irrational c. non-integer d. whole

14) The number of atoms of each element on the product side must be ______ the
number of atoms of each element on the reactant of a chemical equation.
a. twice b. less than c. more than d. equal to

15) In the equation “ 2 NaNO3 → 2 NaNO2 + O2 ” there are ________ oxygen atoms
in the first term of the product side.
a. two b. four c. six d. eight

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 Lesson MATTER

1 Law of Conservation of Mass

What’s In

In the previous module, you learned about how subscripts and coefficients are
interpreted in chemical formulas.
Examine the chemical equation below. Count the number of hydrogen atoms
and the number of oxygen atoms on the reactant side. Compare that to their numbers
on the product side. Copy and complete the tables on a separate sheet of paper.
electricity
H2O (l) H2 (g) + O2 (g)
Reactant Side Product Side
H H 2
O 1 O

What’s New

What you see below is an example of what we call an “unbalanced” chemical

equation. Notice that the number of atoms on the reactant side do not equal the
number of atoms on the product side. This chemical equation correctly conveys what
substances are reacting, and what new substances are formed. But it is NOT
considered a completely valid chemical equation because it does not follow a
fundamental law of science – the law of conservation of mass.

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 What is it

The most fundamental law that governs a chemical reaction is the law of
conservation of mass. It states that:

“During a chemical reaction, the total mass and number of

atoms of the reactants equals the total mass and number of
atoms of the products.”

WHY MUST A CHEMICAL EQUATION FOLLOW THE LAW

As you have learned in module 5, a chemical reaction is a rearrangement of the
atoms of reactants into new configurations to form new substances called products.
The term “rearrangement” implies that no atom is created or destroyed in the process.
This means that the atoms of each element involved in a chemical reaction should NOT
increase or decrease in number. Consequently, this means the mass is conserved.
To the left is an example of a
balanced chemical equation.
Notice that the number of atoms of
each element remained the same
even after they formed the products.
This is a completely valid chemical
equation. It follows the law of
conservation of mass.

DETERMINING WHETHER AN EQUATION IS BALANCED OR NOT

An “accounting table” is used to determine whether a chemical equation is
balanced or unbalanced. By comparing the number of atoms for each element from
both sides of the equation, we can make a conclusion on whether it is balanced or not.

Example 1: S8 + O2 → SO3
Reactant Side Product Side
S 8 S 1
O 2 O 3

Conclusion: UNBALANCED EQUATION

Example 2: N2 + 3 H2 → 2 NH3
Reactant Side Product Side
N 2 N 2
H 6 H 6

Conclusion: BALANCED EQUATION

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DEALING WITH COEFFICIENTS AND SUBSCRIPTS
Recall from module 5 that a subscript describes how many atoms of an element
is attached to a molecule and a coefficient tells us how many molecules there are in
the system.
For example: 2 NH3 - means that there are 2 molecules of ammonia (NH3) and
inside each molecule, there are 3 hydrogen atoms attached to 1 nitrogen atom. N is
understood to have the subscript of 1.
Therefore, you have to multiply the subscript of each element to the coefficient
of the molecule to get the number of atoms for each element.

2 NH3 Number of H = 3 x 2 = 6

As you can see in the picture, there

2 NH3 Number of N = 1 x 2 = 2 are indeed 2 atoms of N and 6
atoms of H in 2 molecules of NH3.

DEALING WITH MULTIPLE SUBSCRIPTS

There are molecules with multiple levels of subscripts. In these cases, we
multiple the inner subscript with the outer subscript before multiplying it with the
coefficient.

2 Cu(NO3)2 Number of O = 3 x 2 x 2 = 12

2 Cu(NO3)2 Number of N = 1 x 2 x 2 = 4

2 Cu(NO3)2 Number of Cu = 1 x 2 = 2 * Copper here is not inside the

parenthesis and so it does not
have multiple levels of subscripts

There are indeed 12 Oxygen atoms, 4 Nitrogen atoms

and 2 Copper atoms present in 2 ionic pairs of Cu(NO3)2

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 What’s More

Now that you know how to determine if a chemical equation observes the law
of conservation of mass or not, examine whether the following equations are
unbalanced or balanced. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Numbers
1 and 2 are done for you as examples.
1) NaNO3 → NaNO2 + O2
Reactant Side Product Side
Na 1 Na 1
N 1 N 1
O 3 O 2+2
Conclusion: UNBALANCED EQUATION

2) P4 + 5 O2 → 2 P2O5
Reactant Side Product Side
P 4 P 4
O 10 O 10
Conclusion: BALANCED EQUATION

3) Fe + NaBr → FeBr3 + 2 Na
Reactant Side Product Side

Conclusion: ____________________

4) CaSO4 + Mg(OH)2 → 2 Ca(OH)2 + MgSO4

Reactant Side Product Side

Conclusion: ____________________

5) C8H18 + 2 O2 → 8 CO2 + 9 H2O

Reactant Side Product Side

Conclusion: ____________________

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 What I Have Learned

Complete the lesson summary below by filling in the appropriate words/phrases

to each blank. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper as numbered.

LESSON SUMMARY:
A completely valid chemical equation must be able to do two things – 1) express
correctly what substances are reacting and what new products are formed, and 2)
obey the law of _______(1)_________.
This fundamental law governing chemical reactions states that the number of
atoms of each element on the reactant side must be ____(2)____ to the number of
atoms of each element on the product side.
A/an ____(3)_____ chemical equation only expresses the correct composition
of the reactants and products. A/an ____(4)_____ chemical equation is one that tells
us both – the composition of reactants and products and the correct proportion of
substances that conserves the number of atoms of each element.
To keep track of the number of atoms of each element, an _____(5)_____ is
used. This will tell us if we need to balance a chemical equation or not.

What I Can Do

Counting the number of atoms of each element in a chemical equation is usually

done by looking at the subscripts and coefficients of the chemical formulae of the
products and reactants.
While this is an accurate and efficient method, it does not give us a proper
“visualization” of what is happening and why an equation is completely valid or not.
One thing that you can do to visually evaluate if a chemical equation is balanced
or not is use cut out models of atoms. You can use circle paper cut outs of different
sizes, colors or labels to represent different elements.

Example 1: N2 + H2 → NH3

N2 can be represented by

H2 can be represented by

NH3 can be represented by

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If you “rearrange” the atoms of the reactants to form the product, you would get:
* You will NOT be able to form
+ → an NH3 molecule due to a lack of
H and there is an excess N.
atom.
Therefore: “ N 2 + H2 → NH3 “ is impossible to achieve via rearrangement.
This is an unbalanced equation.

If we use three H2 molecules instead of one, it results to the perfect formation of two
NH3 molecules:

* Rearranging the atoms

+ → does not produce any
excess or lacking atoms.

Therefore: “ N2 + 3 H2 → 2 NH3 “ can be achieved via rearrangement.

This is a balanced equation.

You can use the described technique to visually confirm if the equations in the
“What’s More” section are balanced or not.
The creation of paper cut out models of atoms and a video demonstration or
explanation of how they are used to confirm if a written chemical equation is balanced
or not may be considered a as performance task if your teacher instructs you to.

Additional Activities

This activity is optional and is only for additional learning. You DO NOT have to do it
if you do not have access to the internet.
1) Open a web browser on your device and go to “www.misterhelp.net”.
2) Click on “Log in as a guest”.
3) Select YES to agree to the privacy policy of the site.
4) Navigate to the course titled “Quarter 4, Module 6: Balancing Chemical
Equations”.
5) Click on “Lesson 1” listed on the course.

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 Lesson MATTER

Balancing Chemical
2 Equations via Inspection

What’s In

In the previous lesson, we learned about the law of conservation of mass and
described unbalanced chemical equations in contrast to balanced chemical equations.

CHEMICAL EQUATION 1: Mg + O2 → MgO

CHEMICAL EQUATION 2: 2 Mg + O2 → 2 MgO

Which of the chemical equation is unbalanced? Which is balanced? Write your

answer on a separate sheet of paper.

What’s New

To balance an unbalanced chemical equation, we adjust the coefficients

accordingly. Recall that a correct yet unbalanced chemical equation already expresses
the right chemical formula for both the reactants and the products. This means that to
balance it, we CANNOT change the subscripts as it changes the composition of the
substances. We can only change the coefficients of the chemical formulas.

UNBALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATION:

Al + O2 → Al2O3

+ →

BALANCED CHEMICAL EQUATION:

4 Al + 3 O2 → 2 Al2O3

+ →

Notice that by changing the coefficients, we are preserving the composition of

the substances but changing the number of molecules of the substances.

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We

What is it

Balancing a chemical equation means changing the coefficients of the chemical

formulae of the reactants and products such that the law of conservation of mass is
observed. No atoms should be lost or created during the chemical rection.

GENERAL STEPS IN BALANCING CHEMICAL EQUATIONS:

1) Write the unbalanced chemical equation. Make sure you have correctly
followed the rules in writing formulas of compounds.
2) Take note of the elements present in the reactant and product side.
3) Count the number of atom/s of each element present in the reactant and
product side.
4) Apply the Law of Conservation of Mass to get the same number of atoms of
every element on each side of the equation.
5) Balance chemical equations by placing the appropriate coefficients before the
symbol or formula. DO NOT change the subscripts of the formulae in an attempt
to balance the equation as it will change the identity of the substances involved.

INSPECTION METHOD
In this method, an accounting table for all the elements involved are constructed
for both the reactant and product sides. This is done in order to easily track the number
of atoms. Then, an appropriate coefficient is changed. After which, the accounting
table is updated. The last two steps are repeated until the number of atoms of each of
the elements in both tables are equal.
This method has a little bit of trial and error simply because there is no one
specific first step in terms of which coefficient to change and it takes multiple
adjustments to get it done. It is called inspection because the number of atoms of each
element is inspected and compared in order to decide which coefficient to change.

STEP BY STEP EXAMPLE OF THE METHOD

Write the unbalanced equation. Na + Cl2 → NaCl

Construct accounting tables.

Count the number of atoms for each Na + Cl2 → NaCl
element and update tables accordingly. Reactant Side Product Side
At this step, you should notice which Na 1 Na 1
element count is/are not balanced. In this Cl 2 Cl 1
example it is the Cl.

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 Because you noticed that Cl in reactant
side is 2 but it is only 1 in the product side,
you will adjust the coefficient of the side Na + Cl2 → 2 NaCl
with the smaller count. In this case, the
Reactant Side Product Side
coefficient of NaCl is adjusted.
Na 1 Na 2
Appropriate coefficient is changed. In this Cl 2 Cl 2
case the coefficient of NaCl is changed
from 1 to 2.
Accounting tables are updated.

You notice that Cl is now balanced but the

Na is now not balanced.
Appropriate coefficient is changed. In this 2 Na + Cl2 → 2 NaCl
case the coefficient of Na from the Reactant Side Product Side
reactant side is changed from 1 to 2. Na 2 Na 2
Accounting tables are updated. Cl 2 Cl 2
You realize that the equation is now
balanced.

* In the above example we choose to adjust the side with the smaller count and we
use whole number integers for our coefficients. The next example features a case
where it will be faster to use fractions instead of whole numbers.

Write the unbalanced equation. KClO3 → KCl + O2

Construct accounting tables.

KClO3 → KCl + O2
Count the number of atoms for each
element and update tables accordingly. Reactant Side Product Side
K 1 K 1
At this step, you should notice which Cl 1 Cl 1
element count is/are not balanced. In this O 3 O 2
example, it is the O.

Appropriate coefficient is changed. In this

case the coefficient of O2 from the product 𝟑
KClO3 → KCl + O2
𝟑 𝟐
side is changed from 1 to 𝟐.
Reactant Side Product Side
Accounting tables are updated. K 1 K 1
Here, you can balance the two sides faster Cl 1 Cl 1
if you use a fraction as a coefficient to the O 3 O 3
oxygen gas in the product side.

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 Although the chemical equation is already
balanced, it does not make sense to have 𝟑
2 KClO3 → 2 KCl + (2) O2
𝟑 𝟐
of an oxygen gas molecule. So, the
𝟐 2 KClO3 → 2 KCl + 3 O2
whole equation is multiplied by 2 to make
all coefficients whole numbers again. Reactant Side Product Side
K 2 K 2
Accounting tables are updated. Cl 2 Cl 2
The chemical equation is now balanced O 6 O 6
and with whole numbers as coefficients.

* It is a convention to express a balanced chemical equation using whole number

coefficients in the lowest terms.

DEALING WITH COMPLICATED EQUATIONS

In our examples above, any element appears only in one term on the reactant
side and only in one term on the product side. When certain elements appear in
multiple terms on either side, balancing the equation becomes more complicated.
Ex. CO2 + H2O → C6H12O6 + O2
In this equation, carbon and hydrogen appear once in the reactant side and
once in the product side, but oxygen appears twice in the reactant side and twice in
the product side. In cases like this, you should concentrate on balancing the counts of
the elements that only appear once on both sides.

Write the unbalanced equation. CO2 + H2O → C6H12O6 + O2

Construct accounting tables. CO2 + H2O → C6H12O6 + O2

Count the number of atoms for each Reactant Side Product Side
element and update tables accordingly. C 1 C 6
O 2+1 O 6+2
H 2 H 12

Appropriate coefficient is changed.

Here, you can choose to balance C or H 6 CO2 + H2O → C6H12O6 + O2
but NOT O because O appears in multiple Reactant Side Product Side
places. In this example, we change C 6 C 6
coefficient of C from 1 to 6. O 12 + 1 O 6+2
Accounting tables are updated. H 3 H 12

Appropriate coefficient is changed. 6 CO2 + 12 H2O → C6H12O6 + O2

After balancing C, we now balance H.
Again, we refrain from balancing O Reactant Side Product Side
because it appears in multiple places. We C 6 C 6
change the coefficient of H2O from 1 to 12. O 12 + 12 O 6+2
H 12 H 12
Accounting tables are updated.

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 Appropriate coefficient is changed.
Now that we have balanced C and H, it is
time to balance O. We look for places
where changing a coefficient affects O but 6 CO2 + 12 H2O → C6H12O6 + 9 O2
does not affect the already balanced C
and H. The second term of the product Reactant Side Product Side
side is the only term that does this. The C 6 C 6
total O atoms on the left side is 24 and O 12 + 12 O 6 + 18
since there are already 6 O atoms in the H 12 H 12
first term of the product side, we only need
18 more. Thus, coefficient of O2 must be
changed from 1 to 9.
Accounting tables are updated.
The equation is now balanced.

In summary, this is what you can do when dealing with complicated equations:
1) Adjust the counts of elements that appear only once in both sides.
2) Elements that appear in multiple places in either side should be adjusted last.
Oftentimes, this is the elements O and H but it depends on the equation.
3) The last adjustment should only change the count of the element that appears
in multiple places and not affect the elements that only appears once in both
sides.

What’s More

Now that you know how to use the inspection method in balancing equations,
it is time that you practice doing them on your own. Balance the following equations in
a separate sheet of paper. Number 1 is done for you as a guide. Follow its format.
3
1) 2 4 Al + 3 O2 → 2 Al2O3
2

Reactants Products
Al 1 2 4 Al 2 4
O 2 3 6 O 3 6
* Leave the traces of trial and error on your solution - the old values of
coefficients and old counts of the number of atoms of each element.

2) Al + H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + H2
3) C3H8 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
4) NH4NO3 → N2O + H2O
5) NH3 + CuO → Cu + N2 + H2O

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 Complete the lesson summary below by filling in the appropriate words to each
blank. Write your answers as numbered on a separate sheet of paper.

LESSON SUMMARY:

Balancing a chemical equation requires changing the _____(1)_____ of

chemical formulas. The subscripts cannot be changed because it will change the
____(2)_____ of the substances.
The ____(3)____ method is way of balancing a chemical equation that uses an
accounting table to keep track of the number of atoms on each side of the equation.
The count of each element is updated after a change of a coefficient. These steps are
repeated until the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side is
____(4)____ to the number of atoms of each element on the _____(5)____ side.

What I Can Do

In the previous lesson, you were introduced to the use of paper cut out models
of atoms to evaluate if a chemical equation is balanced or not.
You can use the same models to do a visual approach in balancing chemical
equations. Start by constructing one molecule of each reactant. Then, rearrange the
atoms to form the products. Add more molecules of the reactants until you can
rearrange the atoms into the products WITHOUT any excess or lacking atoms.
Ex. Unbalanced Equation: Cu + O2 → CuO
This does not work
because there is an
excess oxygen atom
on the product side.
So, we increase the number of Cu to 2:

Rearranging the atoms

from reactants gives us
the product with no lacking
or excess atoms.

Therefore, the balanced equation is: 2 Cu + O2 → 2 CuO

You can use this technique to balance the equations given in “What’s More”
although it will take you a longer time.

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 Additional Activities

This activity is optional and is only for additional learning. You DO NOT have to
do it if you do not have access to the internet.
1) Open a web browser on your device and go to misterhelp.net
2) Click on “Log in as a guest”.
3) Select YES to agree to the privacy policy of the site.
4) Navigate to the course titled “Quarter 4, Module 6: Balancing Chemical
Equations”.
5) Click on “Lesson 2” listed on the course.

Lesson MATTER

Balancing Chemical Equations

3 via Algebraic Method

What’s In

In the previous lesson, we studied about balancing chemical equations using

the inspection method. Using the concepts you learned, answer the following question
on a separate sheet of paper:
Is the chemical equation below balanced? Are the coefficients correctly written?
Explain why or why not.
2 C2H5OH + 6 O2 → 4 CO2 + 6 H2O

What’s New

The inspection method is efficient at balancing chemical equations that are not
too complicated. As mentioned, it has a little bit of trial and error. The more
complicated an equation is, the more the trial-and-error aspect surfaces in the form of
balancing elements multiple times back and forth from both sides of the equation.
There is a more sophisticated way of balancing chemical equations. It is rigid
and powerful, but it requires more mathematical skill. Some chemical equations can
only be efficiently solved this way. This method is called the algebraic method of
balancing chemical equations.

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 What is it

A chemical equation is like a mathematical equation. It has two sides that equal
each other. Because of this, we can assign unknown variables as coefficients in the
chemical equation and construct algebraic expressions that capture the equality of the
left side to the right side. Finally, we can use algebraic techniques to solve for the
unknown coefficients.
Example 1: CO + O2 → CO2
Step 1: Assign unknown variables as coefficients for each of the substances involved.
We assign the unknowns a, b and c as coefficients for CO, O2 and CO2 respectively.
a CO + b O2 → c CO2
(a, b and c are numbers whose values we do not yet know)
Step 2: Construct an algebraic expression for the number of atoms for each element
for each side of the equation.
The number of C atoms on the reactant side
is 1a because C in CO has a subscript of 1 and
the molecule CO has the unknown subscript a.
Remember that we multiply the subscript with
the coefficient to get the number of atoms. The
same method is applied to the other atoms.
Reactant Side:

Product Side:

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Step 3: Equate the left side of the equation to the right side of the equation.
Because of the law of conservation of mass,
the number of carbon atoms on the left side (1a)
is equal to the number of carbon atoms on the
right side (1c) so we equate the two.
Likewise, the number of oxygen atoms on
the left side (1a + 2b) is equal to the number of
oxygen atoms on the right side (2c) so we also
equate the two.

Step 4: Using algebraic techniques, solve for the values of the unknown coefficients.
We have 3 unknowns (a, b and c) but we only
have 2 equations. Basic math requires at least 3
equations to solve 3 unknowns. So, in order to solve
the equation, we have to assume a value for one of
the unknowns.
In this example, we will assume that a = 1.
By using the equation 1 and our assumed value of
a, we solve for the value of c.
This technique is called substitution
because we substitute a value for one unknown in
order to solve or calculate the value of another
unknown.
Then, using equation 2, our assumption that
a is equal to 1, and the newly solved value of c, we
solve can solve for the value of b.

Therefore, we can say that: if a=1 then

b=0.5 and c=1.

Step 5: Construct a balanced equation using the solved values of the previously
unknown coefficients and simplify them to the lowest whole number form.
CO + O2 → CO2 (original unbalanced equation)
a CO + b O2 → c CO2 (with unknown coefficients)
1 CO + 0.5 O2 → 1 CO2 (with solved values of coefficients)

Step 6: Reduce or convert coefficient to lowest whole number terms. One of the
coefficients is NOT a whole number. So, the whole equation is multiplied by a number
that would convert that into a whole number - in this case the number 2:

2 (1 CO + 0.5 O2 → 1 CO2)
2 CO + 1 O2 → 2 CO2 (balanced equation)

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 ***Note: The algebraic method of balancing chemical equations is used to
balance equations that are very difficult to solve under the inspection method. The
chemical equation in the example above is NOT a difficult equation to balance. So, in
practice it is NOT actually worth solving using the algebraic method. It is more efficient
to solve it using the inspection method. We used this chemical equation in the example
because it would be more confusing to explain the steps if we used a harder equation.
The following are three examples of chemical equations that are very difficult
to balance. They are almost impossible to solve using the inspection method. The
algebraic method of balancing equation is suited for them.
1) KNO3 + C12H22O11 → K2CO3 + N2 + H2O + CO2
2) KI + KClO3 + HCl → I2 + H2O + KCl
3) KMnO4 + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + MnSO4 + H2O + O2

Here is how equation number 1 is balanced using the algebraic method. Only
steps that are NOT present in example 1 are explained.
Example 2: KNO3 + C12H22O11 → K2CO3 + N2 + H2O + CO2
a KNO3 + b C12H22O11 → c K2CO3 + d N2 + e H2O + f CO2
Reactants Products Equations:
K = 1a K = 2c 1a = 2c (eq 1)
N = 1a N = 2d 1a = 2d (eq 2)
O = 3a + 11b O = 3c + 1e + 2f 3a + 11b = 3c + 1e + 2f (eq 3)
C = 12b C = 1c + 1f 12b = 1c + 1f (eq 4)
H = 22b H = 2e 22b = 2e (eq 5)

1a = 2c (eq 1) Notice that by assuming that a = 1, we

assume a = 1; can only solve for the value of c (0.5) and
1(1) = 2c the value of d (0.5).
1 = 2c When we apply the assumed value of a
c = (1/2) and the calculated value of c to eq 3, we
𝟏
c = 0.5 or can only reduce the number of variables
𝟐 from 5 (a, b, c, e and f) to 3 (e f, and b)
and form a new equation (eq 6).
1a = 2d (eq 2) We use the new equation (eq 6) and eq
assume a = 1; 5 to eliminate a variable. This is called
1(1) = 2d the elimination technique.
1 = 2d
d = (1/2) 22b = 2e (eq 5)
𝟏 1.5 = 1e + 2f - 11b (eq 6)
d = 0.5 or
𝟐 22b = 2e
-2 (1.5) = -2 (1e + 2f - 11b)
3a + 11b = 3c + 1e + 2f (eq 3) We multiply eq 6 with -2 on both sides.
assume a = 1; Recall that an equation remains valid
c = 0.5 (solved value) when you multiple the same value to
3(1) + 11b = 3(0.5) + 1e + 2f both of its sides. There is a reason why
3 + 11b = 1.5 + 1e + 2f we chose this value. This value changes
3 - 1.5 + 11b = 1e + 2f depending on the equations you are
1.5 = 1e + 2f - 11b (eq 6) working on.

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 22b = 2e 1 3
12b = +
- 3 = - 2e - 4f + 22b 2 4
5
12b =
4
5
b=
4(12)
𝟓
Then, we add the left sides of the 2 equations b=
and the right sides of the 2 equations. Notice 𝟒𝟖
that the terms “2e” and “-2e” cancel each other.
This was the reason why we chose to multiply 22b = 2e (eq 5)
eq 6 with “-2”. 5
Using b =
22b - 3 = - 4f + 22b 48
5
22b - 22b + 4f = 3 22( ) = 2e
0 + 4f = 3 48
5
4f = 3 2e = 22( )
𝟑 48
f = 0.75 or 5
𝟒 e = 11 ( )
48
When we continue solving the equation, we find 𝟓𝟓
out that the b variables also cancel out, allowing e=
𝟒𝟖
us to calculate the value of f.
Therefore:
if a = 1
12b = 1c + 1f (eq 4)
1 3 then b = 5/48
using c = and f = c = 1/2
2 4 d = 1/2
1 3 e = 55/48
12b = 1( ) + 1( )
2 4 f = 3/4

Applying the calculated coefficients to the chemical equation:

a KNO3 + b C12H22O11 → c K2CO3 + d N2 + e H2O + f CO2

𝟓 𝟏 𝟏 𝟓𝟓 𝟑
1 KNO3 + C12H22O11 → K2CO3 + N2 + H2O + CO2
𝟒𝟖 𝟐 𝟐 𝟒𝟖 𝟒

Multiplying both sides by 48 to make sure all coefficients are whole numbers:

𝟓 𝟏 𝟏 𝟓𝟓 𝟑
48 (1 KNO3 + C12H22O11) → 48 ( K2CO3 + N2 + H2O + CO2 )
𝟒𝟖 𝟐 𝟐 𝟒𝟖 𝟒
48 KNO3 + 5 C12H22O11 → 24 K2CO3 + 24 N2 + 55 H2O + 36 CO2 (balanced equation)

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 What’s More

You may use the algebraic method to balance one of the chemical equations
that you already balanced using the inspection method in lesson 2. Try to use chemical
equations whose elements only appear once on the reactant side and once on the
product side. These will be easier since these equations are not that complicated to
begin with.

If you are mathematically inclined and you want a more challenging route, use
the algebraic method to balance the other two complicated chemical equations that
were mentioned previously:

KI + KClO3 + HCl → I2 + H2O + KCl

KMnO4 + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + MnSO4 + H2O + O2

Note: If the task becomes too difficult for you, don’t sweat it! What is important
is we establish the fact that because any chemical equation follows conservation laws,
we can treat it like a mathematical equation. That means we can construct algebraic
expressions which we can solve using algebraic techniques like substitution and
elimination.

What I Have Learned

Complete the lesson summary below by filling in the appropriate words to each
blank. Write your answers as numbered on a separate sheet of paper.

LESSON SUMMARY:

Aside from inspection, there is another method of balancing chemical

equations. It is called the ____(1)____ method. To use this method, we first write the
chemical equations using unknown ____(2)_____ as coefficients for the reactants
and products of the equation. Then we construct ____(3)_____ expressions for the
number of atoms of each element for both sides of the equation. The third step is to
___(4)____ the left side of the chemical equation to the right side of the chemical
equation. The fourth step is to solve for the unknown coefficients using algebraic
techniques such as substitution and _____(5)_____. The calculated coefficients can
be converted to lowest whole number terms to construct the balanced chemical
equation.

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 Additional Activities

This activity is optional and is only for additional learning. You DO NOT have to
do it if you do not have access to the internet.
1) Open a web browser on your device and go to misterhelp.net
2) Click on “Log in as a guest”.
3) Select YES to agree to the privacy policy of the site.
4) Navigate to the course titled “Quarter 4, Module 6: Balancing Chemical
Equations”.
5) Click on “Lesson 3” listed on the course.

6)

Assessment

It is time to check what you have learned through lessons 1, 2 and 3. Write the letter
of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1) What fundamental law is the basis for the need to balance chemical equations? It
is the law of ______________.
a. chemical reactions c. algebraic expressions
b. conservation of mass d. conservation of energy

2) How many oxygen atoms are in two Al2O3 molecules?

a. 2 b. 3 c. 4 d. 6

3) Evaluate the chemical equation below. What can be said about it?

a. The chemical equation is NOT balanced.

b. The number of reactants is equal to the number of products.
c. Number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides.
d. There are elements that are present on the reactant side but missing on the
product side.

4) Which of the following are properties of a completely valid balanced chemical

equation?
I. It describes what substances are reacting.
II. It describes what new substances are formed.
III. The mass of the system is conserved.
a. I and II only c. I and III only
b. II and III only d. I, II and III

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5) Why do chemical equations need to be balanced? It is because _____________.
a. a chemical reaction must keep the composition of the reactants the same as
the composition of the products
b. an unbalanced chemical equation does not give us the correct formulae for the
substances involved on the reactant side and on the product side
c. in a chemical reaction atoms are only rearranged which means the number of
atoms of each element must be the same for both sides of a chemical equation
d. chemical equations need to be able to convey the correct order at which
reactants are added to each other and the correct order of the production of
products

6) How do we balance a chemical equation? We balance an unbalanced chemical

equation by changing the________________________________
a. subscripts of the chemical formulae of products only
b. coefficients of the chemical formulae of reactants only
c. elements of the chemical formula of both reactants and products
d. coefficients of the chemical formulae of both reactants and products

7) In the chemical equation below, which element count is NOT yet balanced?
2 Al + 6 HCl → 2 AlCl3 + 2 H2
a. Aluminum b. Hydrogen c. Chlorine d. None, all elements are balanced

8) How do we express the number of oxygen atoms in the reactant side of the
equation? a. 1b c. 4c
b. 2b d. b + 4c

9) Which of the following is a convention in writing a balanced chemical equation?

a. the coefficients must be in lowest whole number terms
b. reactants and products must be arranged alphabetically
c. more complex molecules should be written first on either side
d. products and reactants on either side must be ordered according to the
value of their coefficients

10) How do we determine if a chemical equation is already balanced? It is by

comparing the _______________ to the _____________________.
a. order of reactants; order of products
c. subscripts of the reactants; subscripts of the products
b. coefficients of the reactants; coefficients of the products
d. number of atoms of each of the elements in the reactants; number of atoms
of each of the elements in the products

11) Which of the following algebraic expressions is based on the number of sulfur
atoms on both sides of the chemical equation?
a Al + b H2SO4 → c Al2(SO4)3 + d H2
a. 1a = 2c b. 2b = 2d c. 1b = 3c d. 4b = 12c

12) What method of balancing chemical equations uses accounting tables to keep
track of the number of atoms?
a. algebraic method c. trial-and-error method
b. inspection method d. blind guessing method

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13) Examine the unbalanced equation below. What should be the coefficients of the
equation so that it would be balanced?
_?_ Na + _?_ H2O → _?_ NaOH + _?_ H2
a. 2; 2; 2; 1 b. 1; 1; 2; 1 c. 2; 1; 1; 2 d. 1; 1; 1; 2

14) All of the following chemical equations are balanced. Which one follows the
convention in writing balanced chemical equations?
a. 0.5 S8 + 6 O2 → 4 SO3 c. 24 O2 + 2 S8 + → 16 SO3
b. 1 S8 + 12 O2 → 8 SO3 d. 36 O2 + 3 S8 + → 24 SO3

15) Which of the following chemical equations is NOT balanced?

a. P4O10 + 6 H2O → 4 H3PO4 c. C3H8 + 4 O2 → 4 H2O + 3 CO2
b. CH4 + 4 Cl2 → CCl4 + 4 HCl d. 2 Fe2O3 + 3 C → 4 Fe + 3 CO2

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