Balance the following equations: (b) Au2S31s2 + H21g2¡Au1s2 + H2S1g2

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. Coefficients are used to adjust the number of molecules or formula units to achieve balance.

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 balancing equations, as it provides the ratios needed to ensure that all atoms are accounted for.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement. Recognizing the type of reaction can help in predicting the products and understanding how to balance the equation. In the given equation, the reaction involves the formation of gold and hydrogen sulfide from gold sulfide and hydrogen, indicating a type of synthesis or decomposition reaction.