How to Balance a Chemical Equation

H2SO4 + Fe Fe2(SO4)3 + H2

This equation needs to be balanced!!

Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced equation . . . . . .

H2SO4 + Fe Fe2(SO4)3 + H2

Step 1: Write down the number of atoms on each side.

Left side Right side

S = 1 S = 3

Fe = 1 Fe = 2

O = 4 0 = 12

H = 2 H = 2

Balancing a chemical equation

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 1

3H2SO4 + Fe Fe2(SO4)3 + H2

Step 2: Choose one atom to balance. We’ll start with sulfur (S).

Left side Right side

S = 1 3 S = 3

Fe = 1 Fe = 2

O = 4 12 0 = 12

H = 2 6 H = 2

Balancing a chemical equation

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 1

3H2SO4 + 2Fe Fe2(SO4)3 + H2

Step 3: Choose another atom to balance. Since we want to save O and H for last, let’s balance iron (Fe).

Left side Right side

S = 3 S = 3

Fe = 1 2 Fe = 2

O = 12 0 = 12

H = 6 H = 2

Balancing a chemical equation

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 1

3H2SO4 + 2Fe Fe2(SO4)3 + H2

Step 4: The next atom to balance is oxygen (O). O is already balanced, so we’ll move on to hydrogen (H).

Left side Right side

S = 3 S = 3

Fe = 2 Fe = 2

O = 12 0 = 12

H = 6 H = 2

Balancing a chemical equation

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 1

3H2SO4 + 2Fe Fe2(SO4)3 + 3H2

Step 5: The next (and last!) atom to balance is hydrogen (H).

Left side Right side

S = 3 S = 3

Fe = 2 Fe = 2

O = 12 0 = 12

H = 6 H = 2 6

Balancing a chemical equation

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 1

3H2SO4 + 2Fe Fe2(SO4)3 + 3H2

Step 6: The final step is to double-check the numbers. If they balance, you’re done!

Left side Right side

S = 3 S = 3

Fe = 2 Fe = 2

O = 12 0 = 12

H = 6 H = 6

Balancing a chemical equation

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 1

Congratulations!! You’re a chemical equation balancing expert.