How to Balance Equations with Polyatomic Ions

In this video, we will learn how to balance chemical equations that involve polyatomic ions. Polyatomic ions are molecules made up of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded together and carry a net charge.
PDF for Chart of Polyatomic Ions: www.breslyn.org/chemistry/nam...
When balancing chemical equations with polyatomic ions, we need to count the polyatomic ions as one unit if they appear on both sides of the equation. It can also be helpful to use a table to keep track of the number of atoms and polyatomic ions in the reactants and products.
First, we identify the polyatomic ions present in the equation and write them down in our table. Then, we count the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and products and fill in the table.
Next, we will start balancing the equation by adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products.
Finally, we will double-check our work to make sure that the equation is balanced and that the number of atoms of each element and polyatomic ion is the same on both sides of the equation.
For a complete tutorial on balancing all types of chemical equations, watch my video:
• Balancing Equations in 5 Easy Steps: • How to Balance Chemica...
• More Practice Balancing: • Balancing Chemical Equ...
For help with moles to grams conversions and more:
• More Moles to Grams Practice: • Practice: Converting b...
• Molar Mass in Three Easy Steps: • How to Calculate Molar...
• Understanding the Mole: • Understanding the Mole...
• Moles - Gram Conversions: • Practice: Converting b...
• How to Balance Chemical Equations: • How to Balance Chemica...
• Mole Ratio: • How to Find the Mole ...
• Reaction Stoichiometry: • How to Solve Reaction ...
Chapters
0:00 - 1:04 Introduction and Example
1:04 - 1:30 What are Polyatomic Ions?
1:30 - 2:42 Balancing Demonstration
2:42 - 3:58 Practice Balancing
3:58 - 4:30 Wrap-Up

[@lexiejohnston7339]

Dr B, you are the reason I am passing Chemistry right now. ✊🏽

[@wbreslyn]

Thank you for the kind words and all the best in chemistry!

[@rajganesh4729]

My chemistry substitute:hey kids we will make balancing chemical equations spaghetti and U:I will teach u chemistry in a really proper way and thx for saving me or else I could get bad marks in my jee exam

[@lorainejd]

Thank you so much Dr B. I'll now be able to report this topic to my class ❤❤

[@IndEditzz]

Sir , you are the reason why i have marks in my chemistry lab and in exams ..
Thankyou sir , ❤️🙏
Love from 🇮🇳

[@Nakky-vx1ly]

thank you you saved me last minute study, easy to understand, and very efficient, and good working out showing all the steps

[@wbreslyn]

You're very welcome!

[@deepwaters7242]

Thank you!!! I have a question on my homework that included balancing a split carbonate in the products. It was driving me crazy! Thanks so much.

[@jesf0102]

YOU ARE AWESOME DR. B!

[@mariammohamed993]

Thanks Dr b your videos has helped me since I had confusion and my exam is tomorrow morning 👍

[@wbreslyn]

All the best on your exam!

[@nirmalmishra6404]

Sir can you please explain how(and from where) oxygen grabs an extra electron when it is in single covalent bond like that of in CO32- having 3 lone pairs. Kindly reply.

[@wbreslyn]

That is a good question. It is probably best to think of the extra electrons (the 2- charge) occurring when the carbonate ion forms (the first response here is pretty good: www.quora.com/How-are-carbonate-ions-formed). At that point it usually stays together in chemical reactions, like single and double replacement reactions. For example ua-cam.com/video/i0FoFPnvrrc/v-deo.html .

[@nirmalmishra6404]

​​@@wbreslyn With due respect, I suppose you are not getting my question. Precisely speaking, in order to fit the total electrons in CO3 ,we add 2 electrons, to two single covalentely bonded oxygen atoms. BUT from where does these electrons come from which make the 2 minus charge and create the molecule an ion.

[@wbreslyn]

@@nirmalmishra6404 It depends how the CO3 2- ion was formed. For example, if you formed it from CO2 dissolving in water and generating H2CO3 which then decomposes:
H2CO3(aq)⇌2H+(aq)+CO2−3(aq)
The electrons would have come from the Hydrogen atoms (which are now H+ since they each lost an electron).
If you are interested where the negative is within the carbonate ion you could look at the formal charges but note that the carbonate ion does have resonance.
ua-cam.com/video/rUXVYyGfzIA/v-deo.html

[@nirmalmishra6404]

@@wbreslyn Thank you for your response and explanation, sir. I appreciate your help in clearing up my doubt.

[@spayapora]

Sir if you had uploaded this video just 2 days before it could have saved 2 marks in my Board exams🥹...still thank you very much

[@wbreslyn]

So close! Hope you end up with top marks on your Board exams.

[@spayapora]

@@wbreslyn Thank you so much sir for your wishes hope I can fulfill it 🙂
Your videos helps me a lot..Please keep uploading such videos more and more in future

[@wbreslyn]

Thanks, I will!

[@ridhimach7264]

Why do we write 2 after no3

[@wbreslyn]

Just seeing this (it want to "held for review" for some reason). You might think of a Fluoropolymer balloon, essentially teflon. They use them in medicine but I'm not sure how big they get. Maybe a silicone if the acid is diluted by the water. Best of luck!

[@UnbelievableAdventures]

Sir, can you please teach us how to balance this equation "2H2SO4(aq) +Cu(s)"

[@wbreslyn]

Here you go!
ua-cam.com/video/2pS6bCChib0/v-deo.html

[@UnbelievableAdventures]

@@wbreslyn thanks❤️❤️

[@AyushKumar-xu4sb]

Sir please make video on organic chemistry

[@wbreslyn]

It's on my list of videos to do!

[@thecrickchamps7953]

Thanku

[@wbreslyn]

Welcome!

[@elizabethbeck-qq7sw]

you are my new favourite person 🫶 tysm

[@wbreslyn]

ywsm!