Question

Kiley wants to balance the equation H2 + N2 → NH3. Which would be her first step in balancing an equation?

multiplying the subscripts in the atoms of the reactants together
adding the coefficient 3 in front of H2 and the coefficient 2 in front of NH3
changing the subscripts so they match for the total number of atoms
creating a chart that shows the number of atoms in the reactants and products

Answer 1

Creating a chart that shows the number of atoms in the reactants and products.

You should first count atoms (e.g., H: 2 on left, 3 on right; N: 2 on left, 1 on right) and then change coefficients (never change subscripts) until the counts match — yielding N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3.