Question

When the equation: __al2(so4)3 + __zncl2 → __alcl3 + __znso4 is correctly balanced using the smallest whole number coefficients, the sum of the coefficients is?

Answer 1

Answer: the sum of the coefficients is 9

Explanation:

1Al(SO4)3 + 3ZnCl2 —> 2AlCl3 + 3ZnSO4

The coefficients are 1, 3, 2, 3.

Sum of the coefficients = 1 + 3+ 2+ 3 = 9

Answer 2

1Al2(SO4)3 + 3ZnCl2 → 2AlCl3 + 3ZnSO4

The coefficients represents moles. There is 1 mole of Aluminum Sulfate, 3 moles of Zinc(II) Chloride, 2 moles of Aluminum Chloride, and 3 moles of Zinc(II) Sulfate.

Now add all the coefficients/moles.

$1+3+2+3= 9$

9 is the sum of all the coefficients.