Multiple Choice
What is the molecular equation for the precipitation reaction that occurs when lithium sulfate and lead(II) acetate solutions are mixed?
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Molecular Equations
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What is the balanced molecular equation for the reaction between NaI(aq) and Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq)?
A
2 NaI(aq) + Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq) → Na2(C2H3O2)2(aq) + Hg2I2(s)
B
NaI(aq) + Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq) → Na2(C2H3O2)2(aq) + HgI2(s)
C
NaI(aq) + Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq) → NaC2H3O2(aq) + HgI2(s)
D
2 NaI(aq) + Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq) → 2 NaC2H3O2(aq) + Hg2I2(s)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the reactants and products in the given chemical reaction. The reactants are NaI(aq) and Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq), and the products are NaC2H3O2(aq) and Hg2I2(s).
Write the unbalanced chemical equation: NaI(aq) + Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq) → NaC2H3O2(aq) + Hg2I2(s).
Count the number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation to determine which elements need balancing. Initially, there are 1 Na, 1 I, 2 Hg, and 4 C2H3O2 on the reactant side, and 1 Na, 2 Hg, 1 I, and 1 C2H3O2 on the product side.
Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides. Start by balancing the iodine atoms by placing a coefficient of 2 in front of NaI, resulting in 2 NaI(aq) + Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq) → NaC2H3O2(aq) + Hg2I2(s).
Finally, balance the sodium and acetate ions by placing a coefficient of 2 in front of NaC2H3O2, resulting in the balanced equation: 2 NaI(aq) + Hg2(C2H3O2)2(aq) → 2 NaC2H3O2(aq) + Hg2I2(s).
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