The hit-and-trial method in balancing chemical equations involves systematically adjusting coefficients to achieve a balanced equation. Chemists often start with coefficients of 1 for simpler compounds and then incrementally modify them. It’s an iterative process where adjustments are made based on trial and error until the same number of atoms for each element is on both sides. While not as systematic as algebraic methods, hit-and-trial provides an intuitive and practical approach, especially for complex reactions. It allows chemists to visually assess and adjust the equation, gradually converging to the correct coefficients and fulfilling the requirements of the law of conservation of mass.