Answer:
Explanation:
Part 1: Count the number of atoms on each side per element
To start, count the number of atoms per element on both sides of the equation.
<u>Left Side</u>
C - 5 atoms
H - 12 atoms
O - 2 atoms
<u>Right Side</u>
C - 1 atom
H - 2 atoms
O - 3 atoms
Part 2: Balance carbon atoms
Now, with this information, you can begin finding out how to properly balance both sides of the equation.
You need 5 carbon atoms on the left, so place a coefficient of 5 in front of the product. This will balance the carbons. Do not place a coefficient in front of the reactant - none are necessary!
Then, you can update your counts for your atoms.
<u>Left Side</u>
C - 5 atoms
H - 12 atoms
O - 2 atoms
<u>Right Side</u>
C - 5 atoms
H - 2 atoms
O - 11 atoms
The updated equation will look like this:
Part 3: Balance hydrogen atoms
Now, balance the hydrogen atoms. Place a coefficient of 6 in front of the product. This will balance the hydrogen atoms.
Once again, update the atom counts:
<u>Left Side</u>
C - 5 atoms
H - 12 atoms
O - 2 atoms
<u>Right Side</u>
C - 5 atoms
H - 12 atoms
O - 16 atoms
The updated equation will look like this:
Part 4: Balance oxygen atoms
To fully balance the equation, place a coefficient of 8 in front of the reactant. This will equalize the amount of oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.
The updated equation will look like this:
Part 5: Check the equation and atom counts
Now, update the atom counts one last time to make sure they are equal.
<u>Left Side</u>
C - 5 atoms
H - 12 atoms
O - 16 atoms
<u>Right Side</u>
C - 5 atoms
H - 12 atoms
O - 6 atoms
They are equal, so you may proceed.
Part 6: Check if reductions are necessary
If the equations coefficients can all be divided by a common divisor (i.e., 3), follow up with that step. However, any equation that has a reactant or product <u>without</u> a coefficient, skip this step entirely.
This equation falls into that category, so you may proceed past it.
Your final equation will look like this: