The balanced equation for the chemical reaction is:
2 MgO + 1 CaS → 1 MgS + 2 CaO
2 MgO + 1 CaS → 1 MgS + 2 CaO
Step 1: Count the number of atoms for each element on both sides.
Left Side (Reactants):
Mg: 1
O: 1
Ca: 1
S: 1
Right Side (Products):
Mg: 1
O: 1
Ca: 1
S: 1
Step 2: Balance the elements that are not balanced.
Both sides have equal numbers of Mg, O, Ca, and S atoms, so they are already balanced.
The balanced equation is:
MgO + CaS → MgS + CaO
Step 1: Start by counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Take note of any unbalanced elements.
MgO:
- Magnesium (Mg): 1 atom
- Oxygen (O): 1 atom
CaS:
- Calcium (Ca): 1 atom
- Sulfur (S): 1 atom
MgS:
- Magnesium (Mg): 1 atom
- Sulfur (S): 1 atom
CaO:
- Calcium (Ca): 1 atom
- Oxygen (O): 1 atom
Step 2: Begin with the element(s) that appear in the fewest compounds on each side. Here, it's sulfur (S).
On the left side, there is 1 sulfur atom, while on the right side, there are also 1 sulfur atom. The sulfur is already balanced.
Step 3: Move on to the next element(s) that need balancing. In this case, it's magnesium (Mg).
On the left side, there is 1 magnesium atom, while on the right side, there is also 1 magnesium atom. Magnesium is already balanced.
Step 4: Finally, balance the oxygen (O) and calcium (Ca) atoms.
On the left side, there is 1 oxygen atom, while on the right side, there is 1 oxygen atom. Oxygen is already balanced.
On the left side, there is 1 calcium atom, while on the right side, there is also 1 calcium atom. Calcium is already balanced.
Step 5: Check your work to ensure all atoms are balanced. In this case, each atom is already balanced.
The balanced chemical equation is:
MgO + CaS → MgS + CaO