1. Identify the Elements:

* Carbon (C)

* Oxygen (O)

2. Count Atoms on Each Side:

* Reactants (Left Side):

* C: 2 (1 from CO₂ and 1 from C)

* O: 2 (from CO₂)

* Products (Right Side):

* C: 1 (from CO)

* O: 1 (from CO)

3. Balance the Equation:

* Carbon: We have 2 carbon atoms on the left and 1 on the right. To balance, add a coefficient of 2 in front of CO on the right side.

* Oxygen: Now we have 2 oxygen atoms on the left and 2 on the right. The oxygen is already balanced.

4. The Balanced Equation:

CO₂ + C → 2CO

Verification:

* Carbon: 2 on both sides

* Oxygen: 2 on both sides