A few general observations are useful before actual calculations begin. Oxygen and hydrogen are present in equal proportions on the left side of the equation. It is therefore necessary that the coefficients of potassium chlorate and water equalize the proportions on the right side. Additionally, chlorine is present by itself on the left side of the reaction, so adjustments to the amount of chlorine should be fairly easy to balance.
Of the many methods of balancing equations, two will be outlined. The first is a general inspection method. Since the amounts of hydrogen and oxygen must be equalized on the right side, the first step is to assign a coefficient of 3 to water. (Three atoms of oxygen are present in another molecule. Three water molecules contain three oxygen atoms and six hydrogen atoms. Thus a coefficient of 3 for water equalizes the amounts of hydrogen and oxygen.)
