Write a balanced equation for each of the following reactions:

c. Boron oxide dissolves in water to give a solution of boric acid.

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Identify the chemical formulas for the reactants and products: Boron oxide is \( \text{B}_2\text{O}_3 \), water is \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \), and boric acid is \( \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 \).

Write the unbalanced chemical equation: \( \text{B}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 \).

Balance the boron atoms: There are 2 boron atoms in \( \text{B}_2\text{O}_3 \), so you need 2 \( \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 \) to balance the boron atoms.

Balance the hydrogen atoms: There are 6 hydrogen atoms in 2 \( \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 \), so you need 3 \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) to balance the hydrogen atoms.

Check the oxygen atoms: There are 3 oxygen atoms in \( \text{B}_2\text{O}_3 \) and 3 in 3 \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \), making a total of 6 oxygen atoms, which matches the 6 oxygen atoms in 2 \( \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 \). The balanced equation is \( \text{B}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2\text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Reactions

A chemical reaction involves the transformation of reactants into products through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Understanding the types of reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, and acid-base reactions, is essential for writing balanced equations. In this case, the reaction involves boron oxide reacting with water to form boric acid.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is the process of ensuring that the number of atoms for 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. Proper balancing is crucial for accurately representing the reaction and its stoichiometry.

Acid-Base Chemistry

Acid-base chemistry focuses on the properties and reactions of acids and bases. In this context, boric acid acts as a weak acid when formed from the dissolution of boron oxide in water. Understanding the behavior of acids and bases, including their dissociation in water and their role in neutralization reactions, is important for predicting the products of the reaction.