I need to balance this chemical equation and show my work but I’m getting a lot of fractions and I don’t think it’s right, could you help me figure it out?
Explanation (1)
Student Explanation
March 12, 2025
Hi IntergalacticNeptune,
Thanks for your question!
First of all, I suggest you start by reading this explanation on balancing equations:
As well as watching these examples in video, which are really helpful:
For your equation (Na + NH3 → NaNH2 + H2), Na and N atoms are already balanced, since there is one of each on both sides of the equation.
Then, you get to balance the number of H atoms. There are 3 H on the left, and 4 H on the right. You can therefore find a common multiple to 3 and 4 to multiply those coefficients and thus balance the H atoms. The smallest common multiple here is 12. (3x4 = 12 and 4x3 = 12)
You can therefore multiply NH3 by 4 and NaNH2 by 2 (2x2=4 H) and H2 by 4 (2x4=8). By doing so, you assure that both N atoms and H atoms are balanced (4 N each side, 12 H each side)
Finally, just add a 2 behind the Na on the left to make sure that it is balanced with the 2Na in NaNH2 that you just multiplied by 2!
Hope this helps you!
Don't hesitate to reach out again if needed:)
Kylan
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