# How do you balance (NH_4)_2CO_3 -> NH_3 + CO_2 + H_2O?

Mar 15, 2016

This equation can be balanced using trial and error method. The most common method of balancing chemical equations.

${\left(N {H}_{4}\right)}_{2} C {O}_{3} \to 2 N {H}_{3} + C {O}_{2} + {H}_{2} O$

#### Explanation:

1. First is to account the initial number of atoms as reference, both the reactant and the products using the T balance;
2. Present the elements according to its appearance in the reactant side and copy the same in the product side; though it's no rule on this;
$R e a c \tan t \top P r o \mathrm{du} c t$
$N = 2$...........l$N = \cancel{1} 2$
$H = 8$...........l$H = \cancel{5} 8$
$C = 1$............l$C = 1$
$O = 3$............l$O = 3$
3. Generally, complex compounds are always considered first and work your way to the least one;
4. Every change you make with coefficients, make sure to recount the number of atoms of the involve elements and record using your T balance and of course cancelling the previous counts;
5. In this case, putting 2 as coefficient in the first product of the reaction will suffice the equation.
6. The balanced equation is
${\left(N {H}_{4}\right)}_{2} C {O}_{3} \to 2 N {H}_{3} + C {O}_{2} + {H}_{2} O$