Can you help me balance this equation? As2S3 + K2Cr2O7 + H2SO4 = H3AsO4 + K2SO4 + Cr2(SO4)3 + H2O + SO2
1 Answer
Let me help you write up the equation more clearly, first.
So, count the number of each atoms on both sides. To ensure a chemical equation is fully balanced, each atoms on both sides must be equal.
LEFT of equal sign:
As = 2
S = 3
K = 2
Cr = 2
O = 11
H = 2
RIGHT of equal sign:
As = 1
S = 5
K = 2
Cr = 2
O = 23
H = 5
At this stage, only K and Cr are balanced. This is a very complex equation, so it takes some time to solve it.
First step, find the atom that is easy to balance first.
I would say As because you have 1 As atom on the right but 2 on the left, so look for the compound where it has an As on it (on the RIGHT side) and add a 2 in front of it.
It should look like
Every time you make a change in balancing an equation, keep checking how many atoms on the left and right of equal sign. It's basically doing a trial-and-error method.
Next try.
LEFT of equal sign:
As = 2
S = 3
K = 2
Cr = 2
O = 11
H = 2
RIGHT of equal sign:
As = 2
S = 5
K = 2
Cr = 2
O = 26
H = 8
As, K and Cr is balanced at the moment. Look for the next atom to balance. I would say H. On the left, there are 2 H atoms and right 8 H atoms. In order for the H on the left hand side to get 8 H atoms, add a 4 in front of the atom that has the H in it. Looking at the equation, the H is part of
Note that an atom could usually also be part of multiple compounds.
Anyway,
LEFT of equal sign:
As = 4
S = 3
K = 2
Cr = 2
O = 23
H = 8
RIGHT of equal sign:
As = 2
S = 5
K = 2
Cr = 2
O = 26
H = 8
Keep doing same thing on and on until the atoms on the left are equal to the right. If the number of atoms on the left = number of atoms on the right, then your equation is balanced.
