What coefficients must be placed in the following blanks so that all atoms are accounted for in the products? C6H12O6→ _C2H6O+ _CO2 a. 2; 1 b. 3; 1 c. 1; 3 d. 2; 2

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. On the left side, we have 6 carbons (C), 12 hydrogens (H), and 6 oxygens (O) in C6H12O6.
2. On the right side, the formula for ethanol (C2H6O) contains 2 carbons, 6 hydrogens, and 1 oxygen. The formula for carbon dioxide (CO2) contains 1 carbon and 2 oxygens.
3. Set up an equation for each type of atom to balance them. For carbon: 2x + y = 6, where x is the coefficient for C2H6O and y is the coefficient for CO2.
4. Set up similar equations for hydrogen and oxygen: 6x = 12 for hydrogen and x + 2y = 6 for oxygen.
5. Solve these equations simultaneously to find x = 2 and y = 2. Thus, the correct coefficients are 2 for C2H6O and 2 for CO2, making the answer (d) 2; 2.

Key Concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is achieved by adjusting coefficients in front of the chemical formulas. The law of conservation of mass dictates that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, thus necessitating balanced equations.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the quantitative relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It allows chemists to predict the amounts of substances consumed and produced in a reaction. Understanding stoichiometry is essential for determining the correct coefficients needed to balance a chemical equation.

Molecular Composition

Molecular composition refers to the types and numbers of atoms that make up a molecule. For example, glucose (C6H12O6) consists of 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen atoms. Recognizing the molecular composition of reactants and products is crucial for accurately balancing chemical equations and ensuring all atoms are accounted for.