Question

"Which set of coefficient ratios correctly balance the chemical equation for the decomposition of water?

A 1 → 1:1
B 2 → 2:1
C 3 → 1:2
D 1 → 1:2"

Answer 1

The correct coefficient ratio to balance the chemical equation for the decomposition of water is 2:1:2, where two molecules of hydrogen gas react with one molecule of oxygen gas to produce two molecules of water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen is represented by the chemical equation 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O. In this balanced chemical equation, the coefficients indicate that two molecules of hydrogen gas react with one molecule of oxygen gas to produce two molecules of water. The correct ratio of coefficients needed to balance the equation for water's decomposition is therefore 2:1:2. It's important to note that while any multiple of this ratio would technically balance the equation, it's conventional to use the smallest whole numbers possible.