Which of the following is the correct first step in balancing a chemical equation?

• A. Adjust the coefficients to balance the number of atoms for each element.
• B. Add new compounds to the equation to balance the atoms.
• C. Change the subscripts in the chemical formulas to balance the equation.
• D. Remove compounds from the equation to simplify it.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Start by writing down the unbalanced chemical equation, ensuring all reactants and products are correctly represented with their chemical formulas.
2. Identify each element present in the equation and count the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation (reactants and products).
3. Choose one element to balance first, typically starting with the element that appears in the least number of compounds or has the highest number of atoms.
4. Adjust the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to balance the number of atoms for the chosen element on both sides of the equation. Remember, coefficients multiply the entire compound, affecting all atoms within.
5. Repeat the process for each remaining element, adjusting coefficients as necessary, until all elements are balanced. Ensure that the coefficients are the smallest possible whole numbers that balance the equation.