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How to Balance:

Word equation: Calcium + Hydrochloric acid → Calcium chloride + Hydrogen gas

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

Balancing Strategies: In this reaction Calcium (Ca) metal is reacting with Hydrochloric acid (HCl). the Ca replaces the H in HCl and we end up with CaCl2 and H2.

Overall it is a fairly straightforward equation to balance.

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).