In chemistry and/or in this case physical science, the use of chemical equations, oxidation numbers, subscripts and coefficients are all part of the understanding of the elements. In this essay I will explain how to balance chemical equations using oxidation numbers. Next, I will explain how to balance a chemical equation using oxidation numbers and coefficients. Finally, I will explain how to balance chemical equations using oxidation numbers, indices and coefficients. Although many think that using formulas to balance chemical equations makes no sense, it is actually more beneficial than they think. In previous chemistry or physical science courses, you learned how to balance many different types of equations. By following the law of conservation of mass, you also learned that the number of atoms in each element must be the same on the reactant side and the product side of the equation. The term "oxidation" was originally intended for a reaction in which oxygen chemically mixes with another chemical. Its use has long been broadened to include more or any reaction in which electrons are captured....