ScienceFreePrintable

Balancing Chemical Equations

A free science worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Balancing Chemical Equations worksheet preview

Balancing Chemical Equations

Worksheet illustration

📚 Part 1: WALT, Success Criteria & Multiple Choice

WALT: We are learning to balance simple chemical equations by showing the same number of each atom on both sides.

Success criteria: - Balance at least two simple equations. - Use coefficients (not change subscripts). - Explain the conservation of atoms in one sentence.

1. Which statement about coefficients and subscripts is correct?

A coefficient tells how many molecules; a subscript tells how many atoms of an element inside a molecule.

A coefficient changes the type of element in a molecule.

A subscript can be changed to balance an equation.

2. Which equation is already balanced?

2 H₂ + O₂ → 2 H₂O

H₂ + O₂ → H₂O

H₂ + 2 O₂ → 2 H₂O

3. Check all true statements about chemical reactions (conservation of atoms):

Atoms are rearranged, not created or destroyed.

You may change subscripts to balance equations.

Coefficients multiply the number of whole molecules.

✏️ Part 2: Balance These Equations (show working)

4. Balance: H₂ + O₂ → H₂O

Answer: ____ H₂ + ____ O₂ → ____ H₂O

5. Balance: N₂ + H₂ → NH₃

Answer: ____ N₂ + ____ H₂ → ____ NH₃

6. Balance: Fe + O₂ → Fe₂O₃

Answer: ____ Fe + ____ O₂ → ____ Fe₂O₃

7. Balance: C₃H₈ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O (combustion)

Answer: ____ C₃H₈ + ____ O₂ → ____ CO₂ + ____ H₂O

8. Balance (challenge): Al + O₂ → Al₂O₃

Answer: ____ Al + ____ O₂ → ____ Al₂O₃

9. Explain in one sentence how coefficients are different from subscripts:

Differentiation: Use colour-coded cards or counters to represent atoms; work with a partner if needed.

Extension: Try balancing equations with polyatomic ions that stay together (e.g., Ca(OH)₂ + HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O).

Dyslexia-friendly tip: Colour each element consistently when using cards or manipulatives to reduce confusion.

About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Sign up free, grab the PDF, and customize it for your class.

Print-Ready

Formatted for standard paper. Clean layout, easy to read.

AI-Generated

Created with Kuraplan's AI, designed for real classroom use.

For Teachers & Parents

Use in classrooms, for homework, tutoring, or homeschool.

Need a custom version of this worksheet?

Kuraplan's AI generates custom worksheets in seconds — differentiated for every learner, aligned to your curriculum.

Generate Custom Worksheets — Free
No credit card Curriculum-aligned Under 60 seconds