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How to Balance:

Word equation: Barium nitrate + Sodium sulfate → Barium sulfate + Sodium nitrate

Type of Chemical Reaction: For this reaction we have a double replacement reaction.

Balancing Strategies: This is a double replacement reaction with the Barium and sodium atoms switching places.

For this reaction it's helpful to think of the nitrate (NO3) and the sulfate (SO4) as one item as you balance the equation.

For a complete explanation, watch:

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).
Never change the subscripts (the small numbers after elements).