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How to Balance:

Word equation: Benzoic acid + Oxygen gas → Carbon dioxide + Water

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

Balancing Strategies: This is a challenging equation to balance. The trick is to leave the O2 until last.

Also be very careful adding up the individual elements.

Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH) is also written as C7H6O2. Either way, you get the same coefficients when 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).