Question

Use the unbalanced chemical equation to answer the question. 2NaHCO3 −> Na2CO3 + CO2 Which of the following can be added to the products to balance the equation? (1 point) Responses O2 cap o sub 2 H2 cap h sub 2 H2O cap h sub 2 cap o CH2OH

Answer 1

To balance the unbalanced chemical equation \( 2 \text{NaHCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{CO}_2 \), we need to ensure that the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation.

The given equation indicates 2 moles of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) are decomposing into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Let's analyze the products:

1. **NaHCO₃ contains:**
- 2 Sodium (Na)
- 2 Carbon (C)
- 6 Oxygen (O)
- 2 Hydrogen (H)

2. **Products:**
- From \(\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3\):
- 2 Sodium (Na)
- 1 Carbon (C)
- 3 Oxygen (O)
- From \(\text{CO}_2\):
- 0 Sodium (Na)
- 1 Carbon (C)
- 2 Oxygen (O)

Combining these:
- Total on the product side:
- Sodium (Na): 2
- Carbon (C): 1 + 1 = 2
- Oxygen (O): 3 + 2 = 5
- Hydrogen (H): 0

To balance the products' side, we notice they lack the 2 hydrogen atoms and need one more carbon atom to balance the carbon count.

The options provided are:
- O₂
- H₂
- H₂O
- CH₂OH

The only species that contributes hydrogen and balances the products is **H₂O** (water). By adding water, we introduce the necessary hydrogen and additional oxygen that maintains the balance.

Thus, you can add **H₂O** to the products to help balance the equation.