Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct first step in balancing a chemical equation?
3. Chemical Reactions
Balancing Chemical Equations
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In the chemical equation 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, what are the reactants?
A
H₂ and O₂
B
O₂ and H₂O
C
H₂ and H₂O
D
H₂O
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the components of the chemical equation: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O.
Understand that a chemical equation consists of reactants and products. Reactants are the substances that start a chemical reaction, and products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction.
In the given equation, the reactants are on the left side of the arrow (→), and the products are on the right side.
Look at the left side of the equation: 2H₂ + O₂. These are the substances that react with each other.
Conclude that the reactants in this chemical equation are H₂ and O₂, as they are the substances present before the reaction takes place.
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