Question

Which of the following solutions could be implemented to balance the reaction?

SiO2 + C —> SiC + CO

Put a 3 infront of reactant C

Put a 3 infront of product CO

No changes needed, this one is already balanced.

Put a 3 infront of reactant C and a 2 infront of product CO

Answer 1

Put a 3 in front of reactant C and a 2 in front of product CO.

Balanced equation:
SiO2 + 3 C → SiC + 2 CO

Check: Si:1=1, C:3=1(in SiC)+2(in 2 CO), O:2=2(in 2 CO).