How to balance the chemical equation of Al (S) + CuO (S) >Al2O3 (S) + Cu (S)

2Al + 3CuO ⟶ Al₂O₃ + 3Cu

Explanation:

Al + CuO ⟶ Al₂O₃ + Cu

1. Put a 1 in front of the most complicated-looking formula (Al₂O₃):

Al + CuO ⟶ 1Al₂O₃ + Cu

2. Balance Al:

We have fixed 2 Al on the right. We need 2 Al on the left. Put a 2 in front of Al.

2Al + CuO ⟶ 1Al₂O₃ + Cu

3. Balance O:

We have fixed 3 O on the right. We need 3 O on the left. Put a 3 in front of CuO.

2Al + 3CuO ⟶ 1Al₂O₃ + Cu

4. Balance Cu:

We have fixed 3 Cu on the right. We need 3 Cu on the right. Put a 3 in front of Cu.

2Al + 3CuO ⟶ 1Al₂O₃ + 3Cu

Every formula now has a coefficient. The equation should be balanced.

5. Check that atoms balance:

Atom On the left On the right

Al 2 2

Cu 3 3

O 3 3

The balanced equation is

2Al + 3CuO ⟶ Al₂O₃ + 3Cu