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Multiple Choice
In balancing the equation for the reaction X CO(g) + Y O2(g) → Z CO2(g), what are the correct values for the coefficients X, Y, and Z?
A
1, 2, 2
B
2, 1, 2
C
2, 2, 1
D
1, 1, 1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by writing the unbalanced chemical equation: CO(g) + O2(g) → CO2(g).
Identify the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Initially, there is 1 carbon (C) atom and 1 oxygen (O) atom in CO, 2 oxygen atoms in O2, and 1 carbon and 2 oxygen atoms in CO2.
To balance the carbon atoms, ensure the number of CO molecules on the reactant side equals the number of CO2 molecules on the product side. This means setting the coefficient of CO to 2, resulting in 2 CO(g) + O2(g) → 2 CO2(g).
Next, balance the oxygen atoms. The reactant side now has 2 oxygen atoms from O2 and 2 oxygen atoms from 2 CO molecules, totaling 4 oxygen atoms. The product side has 4 oxygen atoms from 2 CO2 molecules. This means the coefficient for O2 should be 1.
Verify the balance: The equation 2 CO(g) + 1 O2(g) → 2 CO2(g) has 2 carbon atoms and 4 oxygen atoms on both sides, confirming the equation is balanced with coefficients X = 2, Y = 1, Z = 2.