Balance the following equations and indicate whether they are combination, decomposition, or combustion reactions: (a) NaClO31s2¡NaCl1s2 + O2(g)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of reaction: The given reaction is a decomposition reaction because a single compound, NaClO₃, breaks down into two or more simpler substances, NaCl and O₂.
2. Write the unbalanced chemical equation: NaClO₃(s) → NaCl(s) + O₂(g).
3. Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation: On the left, there is 1 Na, 1 Cl, and 3 O atoms. On the right, there is 1 Na, 1 Cl, and 2 O atoms.
4. Balance the oxygen atoms: Since there are 3 oxygen atoms on the left and 2 on the right, place a coefficient of 3/2 in front of O₂ to balance the oxygen atoms. However, to avoid fractions, multiply all coefficients by 2.
5. Write the balanced equation: 2 NaClO₃(s) → 2 NaCl(s) + 3 O₂(g).

Key Concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Balancing is crucial for accurately representing the reaction and predicting the amounts of reactants and products involved.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including combination, decomposition, and combustion reactions. A combination reaction occurs when two or more substances combine to form a single product. A decomposition reaction involves a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler products. Combustion reactions typically involve a substance reacting with oxygen, producing heat and light, often resulting in carbon dioxide and water.

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are processes where electrons are transferred between substances, leading to changes in oxidation states. In the context of the given equation, identifying whether a reaction is redox helps in understanding the electron transfer involved. For example, in a combustion reaction, the fuel is oxidized while oxygen is reduced, which is essential for determining the nature of the reaction.