Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the study of the quantitative relationships among the reactants and products in a chemical reaction.

Balancing equations

Balancing a chemical equation is a crucial aspect of stoichiometry, as it provides a numerical framework for understanding how different molecules interact during the reaction.

Example

When properly balanced, a chemical equation reveals the numerical ratios at which different molecules react. Consider the reaction where two molecules of hydrogen (H₂) combine with one molecule of oxygen (O₂) to yield two molecules of water (H₂O). This balanced equation not only conveys the overall transformation but also quantifies it by showing that, on a numerical basis, two molecules of hydrogen react with one molecule of oxygen to produce two molecules of water.