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Lesson 1.3 · AQA Combined Science

Intro to balancing

01 · Count one molecule

What does a formula tell us?

A chemical formula shows the elements in a substance and the numbers or ratio of their atoms.

In a molecule, a small number after a symbol counts that element’s atoms. No small number means one atom.

H₂O: 2 hydrogen atoms + 1 oxygen atom.
CO₂: 1 carbon atom + 2 oxygen atoms.

One water molecule: 3 atoms altogether.
02 · Count the whole group

A big number multiplies everything

The number in front is the coefficient. It multiplies the whole formula.

2H₂O means 2 water molecules.
Hydrogen: 2 × 2 = 4 atoms.
Oxygen: 2 × 1 = 2 atoms.

Keep the small numbers the same. Changing H₂O to H₂O₂ makes a different substance.

2H₂O: two water molecules.
03 · Make both sides match

Balancing equations

Atoms are rearranged in a reaction. They are not created or destroyed, so each element must have the same number of atoms on both sides.

H₂ + O₂ → H₂O Not balanced: oxygen has 2 atoms on the left, 1 on the right.
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O Balanced: 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on each side.

Count → change coefficients → count again.
Change the big numbers in front, never the small numbers inside a formula.