chemistry/stoichiometry/balancing/ How to BalanceP4 + O2 = P2O5

How to Balance Phosphorous + Oxygen gas → Diphosphorous pentoxide

How to Balance: P4 + O2 → P2O5

Type of Chemical Reaction: This is a combination reaction.

Word Equation: Phosphorous + Oxygen gas → Diphosphorous pentoxide

Balancing Strategies: This combination reaction is a lot easier to balance and if you can get an even number of oxygen atoms on the reactants side of the equation.

You can do this by multiplying the diphosphorous pentoxide (P2O5) by two.
For a complete explanation, watch:

About Balancing Chemical Equations

When balancing chemical equations our goal is to have the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.

Only change the coefficients (these are the numbers in front substances).
Coefficients are the numbers in front of the molecule.
Never change the subscripts (the small numbers after elements).
Coefficients are the numbers in front of the molecule.

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