To balance the chemical equation, we need to make sure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides.
Looking at the unbalanced equation: 2NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + CO2
- We have 2 sodium (Na) atoms on the left and 2 on the right, so sodium is already balanced.
- We have 2 hydrogen (H) atoms on the left and 0 on the right, so hydrogen is not balanced.
- We have 2 carbon (C) atoms on the right, but none on the left, so carbon is not balanced.
- We have 6 oxygen (O) atoms on the right (3 from Na2CO3 and 3 from CO2), but only 6 (2 from NaHCO3) on the left, so oxygen is not balanced.
To balance the equation, we need to add a coefficient in front of the molecules. Adding coefficients changes the number of molecules or formula units, but does not change the identity of the substance.
- To balance hydrogen (H), we need to add 2 H2O molecules on the left side, which will give us 4 hydrogen atoms.
2NaHCO3 + 2H2O -> Na2CO3 + CO2
- To balance carbon (C), we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of Na2CO3 on the right side, which will give us 2 carbon atoms.
2NaHCO3 + 2H2O -> 2Na2CO3 + CO2
- To balance oxygen (O), we need to add a coefficient of 3/2 (or 1.5) in front of CO2 on the right side, which will give us 9/2 (or 4.5) oxygen atoms.
2NaHCO3 + 2H2O -> 2Na2CO3 + 3/2 CO2
In conclusion, the substance that can be added to the products to balance the equation is O2.
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. H2O, CH2OH, H2, O2
1 answer