Which of the following equations is balanced? Balance any that need it. (a) The thermite reaction, used in welding: Al + Fe 2 O 3 → Al 2 O 3 + Fe (b) The photosynthesis of glucose from CO 2 : 6 CO 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 (c) The separation of gold from its ore: Au + 2 NaCN + O 2 + H 2 O → NaAu(CN) 2 + 3 NaOH

Hey everyone. We're asked to balance the following chemical reaction. We can start by counting the number of atoms we have on both sides. Starting off with our calcium in our react inside we have three of calcium, two of nitrogen, two of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Looking at our product side, we have one of calcium, one of nitrogen, five of hydrogen and two of oxygen. We can start off by balancing out our calcium by adding a three prior to our calcium hydroxide. When we do this, we end up with three of calcium, nine of hydrogen and six of oxygen. Looking at our nitrogen, we can balance this out by adding a two prior to our ammonia. When we add this to, we change our nitrogen into two And we also change our hydrogen from a nine into a 12. Now to finish off this question, we can balance off our hydrogen and oxygen by adding a six prior to our water. So we end up with 12 of hydrogen and six of oxygen and this will be our final balanced chemical equation. So I hope this made sense. And let us know if you have any questions

Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions

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McMurry 8th Edition

Ch.3 - Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions

Problem 37

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Chapter 3, Problem 37

Which of the following equations is balanced? Balance any that need it.
(a) The thermite reaction, used in welding: Al + Fe₂O₃ → Al₂O₃ + Fe
(b) The photosynthesis of glucose from CO₂: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂
(c) The separation of gold from its ore: Au + 2 NaCN + O₂ + H₂O → NaAu(CN)₂ + 3 NaOH

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Identify the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation: Al, Fe, and O.

Count the aluminum (Al) atoms: 1 Al on the reactant side and 2 Al on the product side.

Count the iron (Fe) atoms: 2 Fe on the reactant side and 1 Fe on the product side.

Count the oxygen (O) atoms: 3 O on the reactant side and 3 O on the product side.

Adjust the coefficients to balance the equation: 2 Al + Fe_2O_3 → Al_2O_3 + 2 Fe.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms of 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. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas to achieve equal atom counts.

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 Reactions

Chemical reactions can be classified into several types, including synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement reactions. The thermite reaction, specifically, is a type of single replacement reaction where aluminum displaces iron from iron(III) oxide. Recognizing the type of reaction helps in predicting the products and understanding the balancing process.

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