Page 228 - Chemistry eBook
P. 228
More General Rules for Balancing Equations
1. A subscript after parentheses applies to all the atoms inside the parentheses
(but not to the atoms before the parentheses).
Ca(OH)2: The subscript applies to the O and H, not to the Ca. Therefore, if we would remove the parentheses, the molecule would look like this: CaO2H2.
2. If there is no coefficient or subscript next to an element, it means there is one atom. Ca means there is one atom of Ca.
3. Once your equation is balanced, simplify the answer only if ALL the coefficients can be reduced.
2H2 + O2 2H2O
This equation cannot be simplified because some of the coefficients cannot be reduced.
227 © UNIT 6: MATH IN CHEMISTRY
