How to Balance a Chemical Equation

Of course! To balance the given chemical equation C + SO2 = CS2 + CO, we need to ensure that the number of each type of atom is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. This process is crucial to follow the law of conservation of mass.

When we break down the equation:

Reactant side: Atoms of C = 1, Atoms of S = 1, Atoms of O = 2

Product side: Atoms of C = 2, Atoms of S = 2, Atoms of O = 1

To balance the equation, we need to add coefficients in front of the compounds:

5C + 2SO2 = CS2 + 4CO

By adding 2 in front of SO2, 5 in front of C, and 4 in front of CO, we achieve balance on both sides of the equation. The balanced chemical equation becomes:

5C + 2SO2 = CS2 + 4CO

Now, the number of each type of atom is equal on both sides, satisfying the law of conservation of mass. Balancing chemical equations is an essential skill in chemistry to ensure accurate representation of reactions.