Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the balanced equation for the reaction between NaNO3(aq) and KCl(aq)?
3. Chemical Reactions
Balancing Chemical Equations
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During combustion, methane yields carbon dioxide and water. The unbalanced equation for this reaction is: CH4(g) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + H2O(l). What will the mole ratios for the balanced equation be? (What coefficients are needed in order to balance this equation?)
A
1 CH4, 2 O2, 2 CO2, 2 H2O
B
1 CH4, 2 O2, 1 CO2, 2 H2O
C
2 CH4, 3 O2, 2 CO2, 4 H2O
D
1 CH4, 2 O2, 1 CO2, 2 H2O
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the number of each type of atom on both sides of the unbalanced equation: CH4(g) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + H2O(l).
Count the atoms for each element in the reactants and products: Reactants: 1 C, 4 H, 2 O; Products: 1 C, 2 H, 3 O.
Balance the carbon atoms first. Since there is 1 carbon atom in both CH4 and CO2, the carbon is already balanced.
Next, balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 4 hydrogen atoms in CH4 and 2 in H2O. To balance, place a coefficient of 2 in front of H2O, giving 4 hydrogen atoms on both sides.
Finally, balance the oxygen atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms in 2 O2 and 4 in 2 H2O and 1 CO2. Place a coefficient of 2 in front of O2 to balance the oxygen atoms, resulting in the balanced equation: CH4 + 2 O2 → CO2 + 2 H2O.
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