Question

Write a balanced equation for the decomposition of tnt. assume that, upon explosion, tnt decomposes into n2(g),co2(g),h2o(g), and c(s):

Answer 1

TNT = trinitrotoluene

The molecular formula of TNT is C7H5N3O6, so the decomposition equation is:

 4C7H5N3O6 ---> 6N2(g) + 7CO2(g) + 10H2O(g) + 21C(s)

Count the atoms to the left and to the right to verify that the equation is balanced

atom         left                  right

C              4*7 = 28          7 + 21 = 28

H              4*5 = 20          10*2 = 20

N              4*3 = 12           6*2 = 12

O              4*6 = 24           7*2 + 10 = 24

So, the equation is correctly balanced.

Answer: 4C7H5N3O6 ---> 6N2(g) + 7CO2(g) + 10H2O(g) + 21C(s)