Blog: BCE (Balancing Chemical Equations)

Page Index:

• Introduction
• How to Balance Chemical Equations: Video Series
• Sample Problems

Introduction

The mechanics of BCE problems can range from simple (can be worked just by looking) to very complex (requires multiple algebraic equations). Most are of intermediate difficulty: they either require no algebra, or they require only one simple algebraic equation to determine the coefficient of some last remaining reactant/product.

A second factor affecting problem difficulty is the amount of information given within the question itself. These tend to fall into one of three general levels:

1. An unbalance equation with both reactants and products is provided.
   (BCE process)
2. Only reactants are provided. The problem requires that the correct products be determined before the BCE process can begin.
   (Product identification + BCE process)
3. Only the names of reactants are given. A working knowledge of nomenclature rules is necessary to identifying the starting materials.
   (Nomenclature + Product identification + BCE process)

Learn How to Balance Chemical Equations: Video Series

A series of five videos explain the BCE process in detail, with examples. Those videos are located in the CHEM 1305 Exam 2 playlist, of the DrStephensonChemistry youtube channel.

See videos 6.01–6.05:

1. 6.01 Introduction to Chemical Equations
2. 6.02 Balancing Chemical Equations (Part 1): Introduction
3. 6.03 Balancing Chemical Equations (Part 2): Twin Elements Method Illustrated
4. 6.04 Balancing Chemical Equations (Part 3): Cross-multiplication and Fractionation
5. 6.05 Balancing Chemical Equations (Part 4): Sample Problems

Miscellaneous Sample Problems