Balancing chem. equations? (1 Viewer)

[bluesky100]

Hi guys -

Started the chemistry component of my course now - I've no chem. background at all, the only section I am yet to fully understamd is balancing chemical equations.

So, I've got NaHCO3 + HCl ---> NaCl + H20 + CO2 - any hints would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[CM_Tutor]

Originally posted by bluesky100
So, I've got NaHCO3 + HCl ---> NaCl + H20 + CO2 - any hints would be much appreciated.

Bluesky100, that equation is balanced.

 

[speed_bump]

Originally posted by bluesky100
Hi guys -

the only section I am yet to fully understamd is balancing chemical equations.

All ya have to remember is that it has to do with the conservation of mass..... so like if you react 2 moles of say H you must have 2 moles of H on the other side of the equation as the H just cant disapper.....

Always try and balance the complecated molecules first, and dont worry about Oxygen till the end.....

 

[xiao1985]

and if you are doing electro chemistry, and doing half cells, don't worry abt charge balance at first... cuz you can always add electrons =)

 

[bluesky100]

Originally posted by CM_Tutor
Bluesky100, that equation is balanced.

Ooops,

See I got part one of the lab report done - naming the gas that was evolved in the lab = CO2, then we had to "complete & balance the chemical equation"

NaHCO3 + HCl ---> NaCl + _____ + _______

Where the blanks I came up w/ H20 + CO2.

Anyway thank-you all for the help!