Question

The following balanced equation shows the decomposition of water (H2O). According to the equation, how many oxygen atoms are in the reactants? 2 H2O 2H2 + O2

Answer 1

2 atoms of oxygen are reactants.

Answer 2

Answer : The number of oxygen atoms present on reactant side are, 4

Explanation :

Balanced chemical reaction : It is defined as the number of atoms of individual elements present on reactant side must be equal to the product side.

Decomposition reaction : It is defined as the reaction in which the larger molecule decomposes to give two or more smaller molecules as a product.

The given balanced chemical reaction is,

$2H_2O\rightarrow 2H_2+O_2$

From the balanced chemical reaction we conclude that, there 4 atoms of hydrogen and 2 atoms of oxygen present on both reactant side and product side.

Hence, the number of oxygen atoms present on reactant side are, 4