Answer:
Explanation:
Often, the best way to start is to balance all atoms other than O and H, then balance O, then balance H.
1. Put a 1 in front of the most complicated-looking formula (KClO₃):
<u>1</u>KClO₃ ⟶ 2KCl + O₂
2. Balance K:
We have fixed 1 K on the left. We need 1 K on the right. Put a 1 in front of KCl.
<u>1</u>KClO₃ ⟶ <u>1</u>KCl + O₂
3. Balance Cl:
Done.
4. Balance O:
We have fixed 3 O on the left. We need 3O on the right. Uh, oh. Fractions.
Double every underlined coefficient
<u>2</u>KClO₃ ⟶ <u>3</u>KCl + O₂
Now, we have 6 O on the left. we can put a 3 in front of O₂.
<u>2</u>KClO₃ ⟶ <u>3</u>KCl + <u>3</u>O₂
Every formula now has a coefficient. The equation should be balanced.
5. Check that atoms balance:
The equation is now balanced.