The document outlines the 9 step process for balancing a chemical equation: 1) Write the word equation 2) Convert to molecular formula 3) Write the number of atoms on each side 4) Balance the side with more atoms of each element 5) Balance hydrogen atoms first if needed 6) Write the partially balanced equation 7) Check atom counts again 8) Balance the remaining elements 9) Write the fully balanced chemical equation

1. CBSE - 10 Chemical Reactions and Equations
Chemistry Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations In step-1, we need to write the
word equation. Methane
gives carbon dioxide and
Step-1 water on combustion in air.
Methane + Oxygen  Carbon dioxide + Water
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03

2. CBSE - 10 Chemical Reactions and Equations
Chemistry Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations Let us represent the word
equation by the respective
molecular formula.
Step-2
CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O
Methane + Oxygen  Carbon dioxide + Water
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03

3. CBSE - 10 Chemical Reactions and Equations
Chemistry Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations Write down the number of
atoms present on each side of
Step-3 the arrow. On the right hand
side we have one carbon, four
hydrogen and 2 oxygen
CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O atoms. On the right hand side
we have 1 carbon, 2 hydrogen
and 3 oxygen atoms.
No. of atoms in No. of atoms in
Element LHS RHS
C 1 1
H 4 2
O 2 3
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03

4. Chemical Reactions and Equations
Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations The atoms are not balanced in
this equation. Start balancing
Step-4 from the element with the
greater number of atoms. Do
not give priority to the atom
CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O found in more than one
compound on either side of
No. of atoms in No. of atoms the arrow. For example, since
oxygen is present in two
Element LHS in RHS compounds on the right hand
side we should not give
C 1 1 priority to the oxygen atom
H 4 2 when balancing.
O 2 3
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03

5. CBSE - 10 Chemical Reactions and Equations
Chemistry Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations Balance the hydrogen atoms
by multiplying by 2 on the right
Step-5 hand side.
CH4 + O2  CO2 + H2O
No. of atoms in No. of atoms in
Element LHS RHS
C 1 1
H 4 2x2
O 2 3
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03

6. CBSE - 10 Chemical Reactions and Equations
Chemistry Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations Write out the partially
balanced equation.
Step-6
CH4 + O2  CO2 + 2H2O
No. of atoms in No. of atoms in
Element LHS RHS
C 1 1
H 4 2x2
O 2 3
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03

7. CBSE - 10 Chemical Reactions and Equations
Chemistry Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations Write down the number of
atoms present on both sides
Step-7 of the arrow of the revised
equation. Again check
whether all the atoms are
balanced.
CH4 + O2  CO2 + 2H2O
Step-7
No. of atoms No. of atoms in
Element in LHS RHS
C 1 1
H 4 4
O 2 4
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03

8. Chemical Reactions and Equations
Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations Balance the atoms of the
remaining elements, here
Step-8 oxygen.
CH4 + O2  CO2 + 2H2O
Step-7
No. of atoms No. of atoms in
Element in LHS RHS
C 1 1
H 4 4
O 2x2 4
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03

9. Chemical Reactions and Equations
Representing a Chemical Reaction
Balancing Chemical Equations Write down the balanced
equation.
Step-9
CH4 + 2O2  CO2 + 2H2O
No. of atoms No. of atoms in
Element in LHS RHS
C 1 1
H 4 4
O 2x2 4
Subtopic ID: 01.02.03