What is stoichiometry and why is it important in chemistry?

Stoichiometry is the calculation of quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions. It's fundamental because it allows chemists to predict how much product will form from given amounts of reactants, determine limiting reagents, calculate yields, and ensure efficient use of materials in laboratory and industrial processes.

How do you balance a chemical equation?

Balancing equations involves adjusting coefficients (numbers in front of compounds) so that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides, obeying the law of conservation of mass. Common methods include inspection (trial and error), algebraic methods, or using oxidation numbers for redox reactions. Our calculator automates this process using matrix or algorithmic methods.

What is a limiting reagent and how do you identify it?

The limiting reagent is the reactant that is completely consumed first, limiting the amount of product that can form. To identify it: 1) Calculate moles of each reactant, 2) Use the balanced equation to find how much product each reactant could theoretically produce, 3) The reactant that produces the least amount of product is the limiting reagent. This calculation is crucial for predicting reaction yields.

How do you calculate theoretical yield and percent yield?

Theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product possible based on stoichiometric calculations using the limiting reagent. Percent yield = (Actual yield ÷ Theoretical yield) × 100%. Actual yield is what you obtain experimentally. Percent yields below 100% indicate side reactions, incomplete reactions, or product loss during purification.

What types of chemical equations can the solver handle?

A comprehensive stoichiometry calculator typically handles: synthesis, decomposition, single/double displacement, combustion, acid-base, and redox reactions. It can balance equations with polyatomic ions, handle aqueous solutions (including spectator ions), and perform mole-mass-mass-mole conversions between any substances in the balanced equation.

Chemical Equation Solver & Stoichiometry Calculator

Balance chemical equations and calculate reaction stoichiometry with precise mole ratios and mass relationships

⚗️ Chemical Reaction

Reactants (separate with +)

→

Products (separate with +)

Balanced Equation

Given Compound

Given Amount

Unit

Target Compound

🧪 Common Elements Reference

⚖️ Balanced Equation

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

Stoichiometric Coefficients

H₂ Coefficient 2

O₂ Coefficient 1

H₂O Coefficient 2

                                Reaction Type
                                Combination
                            

Mole Ratios

Ratio	Value	Interpretation
H₂ : O₂	2:1	2 moles H₂ per 1 mole O₂
H₂ : H₂O	1:1	1 mole H₂ produces 1 mole H₂O
O₂ : H₂O	1:2	1 mole O₂ produces 2 moles H₂O

📊 Stoichiometry Results

Given Amount 2.0 moles H₂

                            Target Amount
                            2.0 moles H₂O
                        

Mole Ratio 1:1

Mass Required 36.03 g H₂O

Mole Proportion Visualization

H₂: 2 moles O₂: 1 mole H₂O: 2 moles

⚖️ Chemical Equation Balancing

Chemical equations must obey the law of conservation of mass – atoms are neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions.

aA + bB → cC + dD

Coefficients a, b, c, d must balance atoms on both sides

• Count atoms of each element on both sides
• Adjust coefficients to balance atoms
• Start with elements that appear once per side
• Save elements like H and O for last

🧮 Stoichiometry Calculations

Stoichiometry uses balanced equations to calculate quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions.

moles_B = moles_A × (coefficient_B / coefficient_A)

Mole ratio from balanced equation

mass = moles × molar mass

Convert between mass and moles

🔬 Reaction Types

Chemical reactions can be classified into several fundamental types:

• Combination: A + B → AB
• Decomposition: AB → A + B
• Single Replacement: A + BC → AC + B
• Double Replacement: AB + CD → AD + CB
• Combustion: Fuel + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
• Neutralization: Acid + Base → Salt + Water

About Our Chemistry Tools

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Our team of chemistry specialists and educators develops and maintains these precise calculation tools for students, researchers, laboratory professionals, and anyone working with chemical measurements and conversions.

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These chemistry conversion tools are for informational, educational, and reference purposes only. They should not replace proper laboratory procedures, safety protocols, or professional chemical analysis. Always follow appropriate safety measures when working with chemicals.

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