Answer:
C
Step-by-step explanation:
Balanced equations have the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation (right and left side of the arrow).
First count the number of atoms of each element of the original equation.
CO(g) + O₂(g) ⟶ CO₂(g)
RHS: 1C, 3O
LHS: 1C, 2O
Balancing the O atoms,
2CO(g) + O₂(g) ⟶ 2CO₂(g)
LHS: 2C, 4O
RHS: 2C, 4O
Thus, the equation is balanced.
*General rule: balance O and H atoms last (in this case C atoms were initially balanced)
LHS= left- hand side
RHS= right- hand side
A) Incorrect as there are 3 O atoms on the LHS and only 2 O atoms on the RHS.
B) Incorrect as there is 1 C atom on the LHS and 2 C atoms on the RHS. Also, on the LHS there is 3 O atoms while there is 4 O atoms on the RHS.
D) Incorrect.
LHS: 2C, 6O
RHS: 2C, 4O