Complete the exercises below. Complete and balance the following equation: a. Mg₃N₂ (s) + H₂O (l) →

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. To balance an equation, coefficients are adjusted in front of the chemical formulas to achieve equal atom counts.

Understanding the types of chemical reactions is crucial for predicting products. The reaction between magnesium nitride (Mg₃N₂) and water (H₂O) is a hydrolysis reaction, where a metal nitride reacts with water to produce hydroxides and ammonia. Recognizing the type of reaction helps in determining the expected products and their states.

In chemical equations, the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, aqueous) are indicated to provide context for the reaction conditions. For example, Mg₃N₂ is a solid (s) and H₂O is a liquid (l). Knowing the states helps in understanding the physical behavior of reactants and products, which can influence reaction rates and mechanisms.