Chemistry • Interactive Investigation

Balancing Chemical Equations Lab

Change only the coefficients. Track every atom, compare particle models, and use conservation of mass to build a balanced chemical equation.

Atom countsParticle modelsReaction typesChallenge mode

Choose a reaction

Work from simple patterns to more complex reactions.

Reaction family Equation

Subscripts are locked because changing a subscript changes the substance.

Rule: coefficients multiply the entire formula. A coefficient of 2 in front of H₂O represents 4 H atoms and 2 O atoms.

Can you identify the reaction pattern too?

Reaction type

Start by adjusting a coefficient.

★

Balance five randomly selected equations. Your score counts equations correct on the first check; you can still revise and finish missed equations.

Score0 / 5

Best streak0

Adjust coefficients until both sides contain the same number of each atom.

Reactant atoms—

Product atoms—

Reactant mass—

Product mass—

The coefficients change how many particles react, but the identities of the substances stay fixed.

Atoms are rearranged

Chemical reactions reorganize atoms into new combinations. They do not create or destroy atoms.

Mass is conserved

When each element has the same total atom count on both sides, the calculated total mass is also equal.

Smallest whole numbers

A conventional balanced equation uses the simplest whole-number coefficient ratio.

Educational model. Atomic masses are standard rounded classroom values used only to illustrate conservation of mass.