Balancing Equations: A Hands on Activity - Middle School Science Blog - Free Printable

Let me balance this chemical equation step by step.

The unbalanced equation is:
Al₂O₃ → Al + O₂

Step 1: Count atoms on each side

Left side (reactants):
- Al: 2 atoms
- O: 3 atoms

Right side (products):
- Al: 1 atom
- O: 2 atoms

Step 2: Balance oxygen first

I need the same number of oxygen atoms on both sides. The left has 3 and the right has 2. I need to find a common multiple.

If I put a coefficient of 2 in front of Al₂O₃, I get 6 oxygen atoms on the left.
To get 6 oxygen atoms on the right, I need a coefficient of 3 in front of O₂ (since 3 × 2 = 6).

So far: 2Al₂O₃ → Al + 3O₂

Step 3: Check aluminum

Left side now has: 2 × 2 = 4 Al atoms
Right side has: 1 Al atom

I need to put a coefficient of 4 in front of Al on the right.

Final check: 2Al₂O₃ → 4Al + 3O₂

Step 4: Verify all atoms are balanced

Left side:
- Al: 2 × 2 = 4 atoms ✓
- O: 2 × 3 = 6 atoms ✓

Right side:
- Al: 4 × 1 = 4 atoms ✓
- O: 3 × 2 = 6 atoms ✓

All atoms are balanced!

Final Answer:
2Al₂O₃ → 4Al + 3O₂