Question

10) Aluminum is a highly reactive metal that oxidizes when exposed to air. Which of these would be a good first step in balancing this reaction? Al + O2 → Al2O3

Answer 1

put a 3 on o2

Step-by-step explanation:

i did the usa test prep

Answer 2

Hello!

(Missing)

A) Put a coefficient of 3 on Al
B) Put a coefficient of 3 on O2
C) Put a coefficient of 2 on O2
D) Put a coefficient of 3 on Al2O3

A good first step to balance this reaction is Put a coefficient of 3 on O₂.

All the other options don't balance an atom but putting a coefficient of 3 on O₂ achieves the goal of starting to balance Oxygen on both sides of the equation. The next step after that would be to put a coefficient of 2 on Al₂O₃ and there would be 6 Oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.

Have a nice day!