1answer.
Ask question
Login Signup
Ask question
All categories
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Business
  • History
  • Health
  • Geography
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Computers and Technology
  • Arts
  • World Languages
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • SAT
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Engineering
creativ13 [48]
3 years ago
5

How is a coefficient used to balance an equation

Chemistry
1 answer:
ludmilkaskok [199]3 years ago
3 0

Let's start to understand this question by a simple combustion reaction involving oxidation of Ethane in the presence of Oxygen. When Ethane is burned in the presence of Oxygen it produces Carbon Dioxide and Water respectively. Therefore, the equation is as,

                                C₂H₆  +  O₂    →    CO₂  +  H₂O

Above reaction shows the reaction and the equation is unbalanced. Balancing chemical equation is important because according to law of conservation of mass, mass can neither be created nor destroyed. Hence, we should balance the number of elements on both side.

                                       LHS                      RHS

Carbon Atoms                  2                            1

Hydrogen Atoms              6                           2

Oxygen Atoms                  2                           3

It means this equation is not obeying the law. Now, how to balance? One way is as follow,

                                C₂H₆  +  O₃    →    C₂O₂  +  H₆O

                                       LHS                      RHS

Carbon Atoms                  2                            2

Hydrogen Atoms              6                           6

Oxygen Atoms                  3                           3

We have balanced the equation by changing the subscripts. But, we have messed up the chemical composition of compounds and molecules like Oxygen is converted into Ozone.

Therefore, we will change the coefficients (moles) to balance the equation as,

                                C₂H₆  +  7/2 O₂    →    2 CO₂  +  3 H₂O

                                       LHS                      RHS

Carbon Atoms                  2                            2

Hydrogen Atoms              6                           6

Oxygen Atoms                  7                           7

Now, by changing the coefficients we have balanced the equation without disturbing the chemical composition of compounds and molecules.

You might be interested in
Please help due tomorrow
pashok25 [27]
The role<span> of a </span>decomposer<span> is to decompose or break down dead matter in the environment. Plants make their own food by the process of photosynthesis and also produce (hence the name) food for other </span>consumers<span>. Without </span>producers<span> an </span>ecosystem<span> could not sustain itself.</span>
6 0
3 years ago
Main group elemants are arranged in _______ groups
Lorico [155]

Answer: susuus

hdhjhd

Explanation: sjsjsj

shshsh

3 0
3 years ago
How many kinds of atoms are in a pure substance?
stepan [7]
Single type of atom builds a single atom
3 0
3 years ago
Read 2 more answers
What is being cycled??
swat32
Water is constantly being cycled between the atmosphere, the ocean and land. This cycling is a very important process that helps sustain life on Earth. As the water evaporates, vapors rise, and condense into clouds. The clouds move over land, and precipitation falls in the form of rain, ice, or snow.
6 0
3 years ago
A 3.8-mol sample of KClO3 was decomposed according to the equation. How many moles of O2 are formed assuming 100% yield?
kari74 [83]

Answer:

5.7 moles of O2

Explanation:

We'll begin by writing the balanced decomposition equation for the reaction. This is illustrated below:

2KClO3 —> 2KCl + 3O2

From the balanced equation above,

2 moles of KClO3 decomposed to produce 3 moles of O2.

Next, we shall determine the number of mole of O2 produced by the reaction of 3.8 moles of KClO3.

Since 100% yield of O2 is obtained, it means that both the actual yield and theoretical yield of O2 are the same. Thus, we can obtain the number of mole of O2 produced as follow:

From the balanced equation above,

2 moles of KClO3 decomposed to produce 3 moles of O2.

Therefore, 3.8 moles of KClO3 will decompose to produce = (3.8 × 3)/2 = 5.7 moles of O2.

Thus, 5.7 moles of O2 were obtained from the reaction.

3 0
2 years ago
Other questions:
  • Which of the following is necessary to increase the rate of a reaction? A. a decrease in the frequency of collisions B. an incre
    12·2 answers
  • Using enthalpies of formation, calculate H.
    15·1 answer
  • Which type of signaling pathway uses second messengers because the hormone cannot pass through the plasma membrane?
    10·1 answer
  • How many Fe atoms and how many moles of Fe atoms are in 500.g of iron?
    14·1 answer
  • 1. Used as a solvent
    6·1 answer
  • Explain why are metals good conductors and why covalent bonds are not
    8·1 answer
  • In 2005, scientists use cells from a dog named Tai to produce a new puppy with DNA identical to Tai’s. What genetic technology w
    10·2 answers
  • Which properties change the composition of a substance? A physical properties
    6·2 answers
  • Which of these is not an ecosystem service that benefits people?
    11·1 answer
  • 7. What do you use to hold a test tube when you are heating it?​
    14·2 answers
Add answer
Login
Not registered? Fast signup
Signup
Login Signup
Ask question!