Balancing equations (Problem H21 6th edition)

[Jeannine 1I]

In this equation, we need to balance the equation C10H15N + O2 -----> CO2 + H2O + CH4N2O, and the answer to that is 2 C10H15N + 26 O2 -----> 19 CO2 + 13 H2O + CH4N2O.

I ended up with the correct answer, but it took me a while to figure it out. Does anyone know a faster way to balance out equations, or would the method of balancing the elements that show up the least, first, be the best way?

[Mindy Kim 4C]

Because this problem has multiple elements that are present in multiple compounds, I think it will take longer to solve. However, I balanced this equation by starting with nitrogen to get 2 C10H15N + O2 --> CO2 + H2O + CH4N2O. Then, I balanced the carbon in the carbon dioxide molecule to get 2 C10H15N + O2 --> 19CO2 + H2O + CH4N2O by subtracting the one carbon atom in the CH4N2O to get 19 more carbon atoms on the right side. Next, I balanced hydrogen by subtracting the 4 hydrogen atoms in CH4N2O to get 26 more atoms needed on the right side. I added a coefficient of 13 to H2O to balance the hydrogen. And finally, I balanced the oxygen by looking at the right side of the equation to add a coefficient of 26. Again, I think this question is more guess and check, but using the same methodical steps will help you get to the answer. I hope this helped!

[105085381]

Going off of what the initial post asked, does anyone know a more simple, yet speedier way to balance even the more general equations? Any faster method than just moving through the equation, element by element?

[MaggieMatern_Dis1H]

Unfortunately, there is no shortcut for balancing equations. It is important to make sure the numbers of atoms of each respective element are equal on either side. However, with practice it becomes a lot easier to recognize patterns/familiar equations and it should take you less time to do so!