Example for student version of balancing an equation.docx

Melissa Getz

2015

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Example for student version of balancing an equation:

In this example, I will show you how to balance the equation:

Zn(OH)₂ + H₃PO₄  Zn₃(PO₄)₂ + H₂O

First I am going to show the equation with images. You are to do this, too.

First we count the number and type of atoms on each side.

Polyatomic ions like PO₄ and OH show up on both sides so we can treat them as a unit.

Now we pick an atom or a polyatomic ion to start guessing how many we’ll need to add to one of the sides. As you become more experienced with balancing equations, you will pick up on what makes sense to start with and what to leave until the end.

We are balanced!