Question

In the stratosphere, oxygen (O2) is converted to ozone (O3) by high energy ultraviolet light. When the equation is written and balanced using whole number coefficients, the coefficient of ozone is:

Answer 1

2

Step-by-step explanation:

The unbalanced equation is

O₂ ⟶ O₃

You could balance the equation by writing

1½O₂ ⟶ O₃

However, fractions aren't allowed. Multiply each side by 2.

3O₂ ⟶ 2O₃

The coefficient of ozone is 2.