In this video we'll look at the equation for the decomposition of Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and balance the equation CaCO3 = CaO + CO2 as well as provide the correct coefficients for each compound.

In order to break down (decompose) Calcium carbonate it is necessary to apply heat. When the heat is applied the CaCO3 will form CaO and CO2. The Calcium oxide (CaO) will be a solid and the CO2 will be a gas.

To balance CaCO3 = CaO + CO2 you'll need to be sure to count all of atoms on each side of the chemical equation.

Once you know how many of each type of atom you can only change the coefficients (the numbers in front of atoms or compounds) to balance the equation for Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate.

Important tips for balancing chemical equations:

Only change the numbers in front of compounds (the coefficients).
Never change the numbers after atoms (the subscripts).
The number of each atom on both sides of the equation must be the same for the equation to be balanced.
For a complete tutorial on balancing all types of chemical equations, watch my video:

• Balancing Equations in 5 Easy Steps:    • How to Balance Chemical Equations in ...  
• More Practice Balancing:    • Balancing Chemical Equations Practice...  

For help with moles to grams conversions and more:

• More Moles to Grams Practice:    • Practice: Converting between Moles an...  
• Molar Mass in Three Easy Steps:    • How to Calculate Molar Mass (Molecula...  
• Understanding the Mole:    • Understanding the Mole (the basics)  
• Moles Gram Conversions:    • Practice: Converting between Moles an...  
• How to Balance Chemical Equations:    • How to Balance Chemical Equations in ...  
• Mole Ratio:    • How to Find  the Mole Ratio to Solve ...  
• Reaction Stoichiometry:    • How to Solve Reaction Stoichiometry P...  

Drawing/writing done in InkScape (https://www.InkScape.org). Screen capture done with Camtasia Studio 4.0. Created on a Dell Dimension laptop computer with a Wacom digital tablet (Bamboo).