Question

How to balance metals and non metals

Answer 1

Following steps need to be followed while balancing a chemical equation of both metals and nonmetals.

1. Write down your given equation.

2. Write down the number of atoms that you have on each side of the equation.

3. Balance atoms of each element on both sides of the reaction.

4. Always leave hydrogen and oxygen for last to balance.

5. Balance the hydrogen atoms lastly followed by balancing of oxygen atoms.


Eg:
Reaction of Potassium hydroxide with Sulphuric acid

(i) Write down the equation
KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + H2O
(This is not balanced equation)

(ii) Check the number of atoms of each element on both sides
Potassium (K) Atoms on both sides are not equal, balance the Potassium atoms by multiplying with suitable integer.

2KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + H2O

Now Potassium atoms on both sides are balanced.
Number of Hydrogen atoms on both sides is not equal, balance hydrogen atoms by multiplying with suitable integer.

2KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2H2O

Now Hydrogen atoms on both sides are balanced. And Oxygen atoms on both sides get balanced.

This is balanced equation as atoms of all elements on both sides are balanced

2KOH + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + 2H2O