Question

Solutions of aluminum nitrate and sodium sulfate react to form sodium nitrate and aluminum sulfate. Balance this reaction.

_Al(NO3)3(aq)+__Na2SO4(aq) —> Al2(SO4)3(s) + ___ NaNO3(aq)


1,3,1,6
2,3,1,6
2,3,1,3
3,3,2,6

Answer 1

2Al(NO₃)₃(aq) + 3Na₂SO₄(aq) → 1Al₂(SO₄)₃(s) + 6NaNO₃(aq)

2, 3, 1, 6

Second choice.

Explanation:

Count the number of atoms on each side. Keep polyatomic ions together because they exist on both sides. After each coefficient you write in, recount the number of atoms.

Al(NO₃)₃(aq) + Na₂SO₄(aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃(s) + NaNO₃(aq)

Al 1 Al 2

NO₃ 3 NO₃ 1

Na 2 Na 1

SO₄ 1 SO₄ 3

Balance the sulfates (SO₄) by multiplying it by 3 on the left. Sodium (Na) will also change.

Al(NO₃)₃(aq) + 3Na₂SO₄(aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃(s) + NaNO₃(aq)

Al 1 Al 2

NO₃ 3 NO₃ 1

Na 6 Na 1

SO₄ 3 SO₄ 3

Balance sodium (Na) by multiplying it on the left by 6. Nitrate (NO₃) will also change.

Al(NO₃)₃(aq) + 3Na₂SO₄(aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃(s) + 6NaNO₃(aq)

Al 1 Al 2

NO₃ 3 NO₃ 6

Na 6 Na 6

SO₄ 3 SO₄ 3

Balance the number of nitrates (NO₃) on the left. Multiply by 2. Aluminum (Al) also changes.

2Al(NO₃)₃(aq) + 3Na₂SO₄(aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃(s) + 6NaNO₃(aq)

Al 2 Al 2

NO₃ 6 NO₃ 6

Na 6 Na 6

SO₄ 3 SO₄ 3

The same number of each atom is on each side, so the equation is balanced.

If there is no coefficient, treat it as 1.

2,3,1,6