Write balanced equations for the following reactions. d. selenium dioxide with aqueous potassium hydroxide.

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Identify the reactants: Selenium dioxide (SeO₂) and aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH).

Determine the products: When selenium dioxide reacts with potassium hydroxide, it typically forms potassium selenite (K₂SeO₃) and water (H₂O).

Write the unbalanced chemical equation: SeO₂ + KOH → K₂SeO₃ + H₂O.

Balance the equation by adjusting coefficients to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation.

Verify that the equation is balanced by counting the atoms of each element on both sides and ensuring they are equal.

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Key Concepts

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

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. 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 without changing the actual formulas themselves.

Acid-Base Reactions

Acid-base reactions typically involve the transfer of protons (H+) between reactants. In this case, potassium hydroxide (KOH) acts as a strong base, while selenium dioxide (SeO2) can behave as an acid in the presence of water. Understanding the nature of these reactants helps predict the products formed in the reaction, which often include water and a salt.

Selenium Compounds

Selenium dioxide (SeO2) is an important selenium compound that can react with bases to form selenites. In aqueous solutions, it can interact with hydroxide ions from potassium hydroxide, leading to the formation of selenite ions. Recognizing the properties and reactivity of selenium compounds is crucial for predicting the outcome of the reaction and writing the balanced equation.

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