Question

how to balance equations what is the pre requisite knowledge required to balance equations?

Answer 1

1. By balancing a chemical equation we see ensure that the number of atoms of any element is same on both the sides,that is as reactant and in product.
2. This rule is in accordance with the law of conservation of mass in a reaction which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed,it changes from one form to another.
3. E.g
In the following un-balanced equation :

CH₄ + O₂ $\to$ CO₂ + H₂O

we see that C atoms are same on both the sides but H and O are not same. So we balance the equation as follows :

​ CH₄ + 2 O₂ $\to$ CO₂ + 2 H₂O