Typically, it is easiest to balance all pure elements last, especially hydrogen. First, by placing a two in front of ammonia, the nitrogens are balanced. This leaves 6 moles of atomic hydrogen in the products and only two moles in the reactants.
What type of elements should be balanced first?
Typically, it is easiest to balance all pure elements last, especially hydrogen. First, by placing a two in front of ammonia, the nitrogens are balanced. This leaves 6 moles of atomic hydrogen in the products and only two moles in the reactants.
Is hydrogen or oxygen balanced first?
All atoms except oxygen and hydrogen should be balanced first. In acidic conditions, the oxygen atoms should be balanced with water, while hydrogen atoms should be balanced with H+. In basic conditions, the oxygen atoms should be balanced with OH–, while the hydrogen atoms should be balanced with water.