Balance the following equations: (c) Ba3N21s2 + H2O1aq2¡Ba(OH)21aq2 + NH31g2

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 quantities of reactants and products to achieve balance.

Types of Chemical Reactions

Understanding the types of chemical reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement, is crucial for balancing equations. The given reaction involves a double replacement reaction where barium nitride reacts with water to produce barium hydroxide and ammonia. Recognizing the type of reaction helps predict the products and their states.

States of Matter in Reactions

The states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, aqueous) indicate the physical form of the reactants and products in a chemical reaction. In the provided equation, Ba3N2 is a solid, H2O is aqueous, Ba(OH)2 is aqueous, and NH3 is a gas. Understanding these states is essential for correctly interpreting the reaction and ensuring proper balancing of the equation.