The reaction between reactant A (blue spheres) and reactant B (red spheres) is shown in the following diagram:
Based on this diagram, which equation best describes the reaction? (a) A2 + B¡A2B (b) A2 + 4 B¡2 AB2 (c) 2 A + B4¡2 AB2 (d) A + B2¡AB2

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the diagram. Count the number of blue spheres (representing A) and red spheres (representing B) in the reactants and products.
2. Write down the initial and final counts of each type of sphere. This will help you determine the stoichiometry of the reaction.
3. Compare the stoichiometry you derived from the diagram with the stoichiometry given in each reaction option. Match the number of A and B atoms on both sides of the equation.
4. Check for conservation of mass in each reaction option to ensure that the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation.
5. Select the equation where the stoichiometry matches the diagram and the law of conservation of mass is obeyed.

Key Concepts

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between the reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It involves using balanced chemical equations to determine the proportions of substances involved, allowing chemists to predict how much of each reactant is needed and how much product will be formed.

Chemical Equations

A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants on the left and the products on the right. It must be balanced to comply with the law of conservation of mass, meaning the number of atoms for each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. Understanding how to interpret and balance these equations is crucial for analyzing reactions.

Molecular Representation

Molecular representation involves visualizing molecules using symbols or diagrams, such as spheres representing atoms. In the context of the question, blue and red spheres represent different reactants, which helps in understanding how they interact and combine during a reaction. This visualization aids in formulating the correct chemical equation based on the observed interactions.