Tip:

Hydrogen and oxygen are often split between two or more compounds. Start with the element that is present in one compound if posssible. If not, pick the element that is in the least number of compounds.

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Example

Now it is time to balance the hydrogen and oxygen.

MgCl2 + NaOH ---> Mg(OH)2 + 2NaCl

1 Mg 1

2 Cl 2

2 Na 1

1 O 2

1 H 2

Since hydrogen and oxygen are together in only one compound on each side of the equation, it is easy to balance. Put a coefficient of 2 in front of the NaOH. Now the hydrogen and oxygen are balanced. By balancing the H & O, the Na is balanced also.

MgCl2 + 2NaOH ---> Mg(OH)2 + 2NaCl

1 Mg 1

2 Cl 2

2 Na 2

2 O 2

2 H 2

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