Question

4. Balance the following equations using the algebraic method.

a. PCI, +H₂OH,PO + HCI

b. Mg + H2O Mg(OH)2 + H₂

c. Zn(NO3)2 ZnO + NO2 + O2

d. H,SO + NaOH → Na,SO, + H₂O

Answer 1

To balance chemical equations, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation is the same. We can achieve this by adjusting the coefficients (numbers in front of the chemical formulas). Let's balance these equations one by one:

a. PCI₃ + H₂O → PO₃ + HCl

The equation is not balanced. Let's balance it step by step:

1. Balance the phosphorus (P) atoms by putting a coefficient of 1 in front of PO₃ on the right side.

PCI₃ + H₂O → 1PO₃ + HCl

2. Balance the chlorine (Cl) atoms by putting a coefficient of 3 in front of HCl on the right side.

PCI₃ + H₂O → 1PO₃ + 3HCl

3. Balance the hydrogen (H) atoms by putting a coefficient of 6 in front of H₂O on the left side.

PCI₃ + 6H₂O → 1PO₃ + 3HCl

Now, the equation is balanced.

b. Mg + H₂O → Mg(OH)₂ + H₂

This equation is already balanced. Both sides have one magnesium (Mg) atom, two hydrogen (H) atoms, and two oxygen (O) atoms.

c. Zn(NO₃)₂ → ZnO + NO₂ + O₂

1. Balance the zinc (Zn) atoms by putting a coefficient of 2 in front of ZnO on the right side.

Zn(NO₃)₂ → 2ZnO + NO₂ + O₂

2. Balance the nitrogen (N) atoms by putting a coefficient of 2 in front of NO₂ on the right side.

Zn(NO₃)₂ → 2ZnO + 2NO₂ + O₂

3. Balance the oxygen (O) atoms by putting a coefficient of 5 in front of O₂ on the left side.

Zn(NO₃)₂ + 5O₂ → 2ZnO + 2NO₂ + O₂

Now, the equation is balanced.

d. H₂SO₄ + NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + H₂O

1. Balance the sodium (Na) atoms by putting a coefficient of 2 in front of NaOH on the left side.

H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + H₂O

Now, the equation is balanced.

These are the balanced chemical equations for the given reactions.