Question

Write the overall balanced equation for the reaction: N2O4(g) + CO → NO(g) + CO2(g)+NO2(g)

Answer 1

Answer:

This reaction has infinite ways to be balanced

Explanation:

To balance this equation we can use the algebraic method:

N2O4(g) + CO → NO(g) + CO2(g)+NO2(g)

Where we write each molecule as a letter:

A + B → C + D + E

Then, we write the equations according the number of atoms of each molecule. That is:

Oxygen → 4A + B = C + 2D + 2E (1)

Nitrogen → 2A = C + E (2)

Carbon → B = D (3)

Then, we have to give 1 arbitral number for a letter. For example:

B = 1; D = 1

(1) 4A + 1 = C + 2 + 2E

4A = C + 2E + 1

2A = C + E (2) Twice (2):

4A = 2C + 2E

Subtracting (1) in (2)

C + 2E + 1 = 2C + 2E

C + 1 = 2C

1 = C

Si 1 = C:

4A + 1 = 1 + 2 + 2E

4A = 2 + 2E (1)

y:

2A = 1 + E (2)

Twice:

4A = 2 + 2E

As (1) and (2) are the same equation:

This reaction has infinite ways to be balanced

For example:

N2O4(g) + CO → NO(g) + CO2(g)+NO2(g)