Writing Chemical Equations

A chemical equation is exactly what it says it is—an equality between the reactants (which are substances written
on the left side of the equation) and the products (which are substances written on the right side). An arrow
pointing to the right serves as the = sign it is read “yields”.

A. HOW TO WRITE A BALANCED EQUATION

(1) Write a correct formula for each of the reactants. Put a plus sign between the reactants to separate them.
Note: A plus sign means “added to” or “reacts with”.
(2) Draw a yield arrow
(3) Write a correct formula for each of the products, putting a plus sign between them also.
Note: On the product side, the plus sign means “as well as” or “in addition to”.
(4) Place a state symbol on every substance in the reaction.
(5) Balance the equation, putting coefficients where necessary
NOTE: Coefficients CANNOT be placed in the middle of a compound and subscripts CANNOT be
changed.

B. STATE SYMBOLS
There are four physical state symbols which are used immediately following substances whose
physical states are known or given.
(s) – solid, which is used for solids or precipitates
(l) – liquid, which is used only for “true” liquids
(g) – gas
(aq) – aqueous, which means dissolved in water, denoted within the word equation as “solution”.

C. SIMPLE GUIDELINES for writing state symbols when the state is not given or known:

(1) All pure metallic elements (except mercury) will be designated (s) unless the reaction indicates otherwise

(2) Water will be designated as (l) unless it is a combustion reaction or the vapor state is indicated; pure
bromine and pure mercury will be designated (l); organic substances (CHO compounds) which are listed as
“liquids” in the problem will be designated (l); anything which is “molten” or “melted” will be designated (l)

(3) Metallic oxides are always (s); non-metallic oxides are (g)
AQUEOUS
(4) Acids are designated (aq); soluble ionic compounds are designated (aq)

(5) If it is an element, check the big periodic table in the back of the room:

a. Red = gas b. Blue = liquid c. Black = solid

EXAMPLES:
1. When solid scandium (III) oxide is put in water, solid scandium (III) hydroxide forms.

2. Sodium reacts violently with water to produce sodium hydroxide solution and hydrogen gas.