Multiple Choice
What is the primary difference between a synthesis reaction and a decomposition reaction in terms of chemical equations?
1. Intro to General Chemistry
Chemical Properties
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Which of the following chemical equations is incorrectly balanced?
A
2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O
B
C3H8 + 5 O2 → 3 CO2 + 4 H2O
C
N2 + 3 H2 → 2 NH3
D
2 Na + Cl2 → NaCl
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the number of atoms of each element on both sides of each chemical equation to determine if they are balanced.
For the equation 2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O, count the hydrogen and oxygen atoms on both sides. There are 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on both sides, so this equation is balanced.
For the equation C3H8 + 5 O2 → 3 CO2 + 4 H2O, count the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. There are 3 carbon, 8 hydrogen, and 10 oxygen atoms on both sides, so this equation is balanced.
For the equation N2 + 3 H2 → 2 NH3, count the nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. There are 2 nitrogen and 6 hydrogen atoms on both sides, so this equation is balanced.
For the equation 2 Na + Cl2 → NaCl, count the sodium and chlorine atoms. There are 2 sodium atoms on the left but only 1 on the right, and 2 chlorine atoms on the left but only 1 on the right, indicating this equation is not balanced.
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