Question

how to balance (with detailed steps) Al2(SO4)3 + Pb(OH)4 = Al(OH)3 + Pb(SO4)2? I need to learn how to balance chemical equations with 4 parenthesis. The numbers are subscripts btw

Answer 1

To balance the equation Al₂(SO₄)₃ + Pb(OH)₄ = Al(OH)₃ + Pb(SO₄)₂, one must count the number of atoms, balance polyatomic ions as units, adjust coefficients, balance remaining atoms, and check that all coefficients are in the lowest whole number ratio. The balanced equation is: 2Al₂(SO₄)₃ + 3Pb(OH)₄ = 6Al(OH)₃ + Pb(SO₄)₂.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the chemical equation Al₂(SO₄)₃ + Pb(OH)₄ = Al(OH)₃ + Pb(SO₄)₂, you need to follow a systematic approach:

1. Identify the most complex substance, which is Al2(SO₄)3 in this case.
2. Balance elements appearing in only one reactant and one product. Start by changing the coefficient of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to 3 to balance the polyatomic ion SO₄^2-.
3. Balance the remaining elements, usually ending with the least complex substance. In this case, the remaining element is hydrogen (H). Change the coefficient of H₂ to 3.
4. Double-check to ensure that all elements and coefficients are in the simplest whole-number ratio.

The balanced equation is: 2Al₂(SO₄)₃ + 3Pb(OH)₄ = 6Al(OH)₃ + Pb(SO₄)₂.