Consider The Unbalanced Equation For The Oxidation Of Aluminum:$\[ Al + O_2 \rightarrow Al_2O_3 \\]Which Sequence Of Coefficients Should Be Placed In The Blanks To Balance This Equation?A. 2, 3, 1 B. 1, 3, 2 C. 4, 3, 2 D. 3, 2, 3
Introduction
Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. It involves adding coefficients to the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. In this article, we will focus on balancing the oxidation of aluminum, which is represented by the unbalanced equation: ${ Al + O_2 \rightarrow Al_2O_3 }$
Understanding the Unbalanced Equation
The given unbalanced equation is: ${ Al + O_2 \rightarrow Al_2O_3 }$ This equation represents the oxidation of aluminum, where aluminum (Al) reacts with oxygen (O2) to form aluminum oxide (Al2O3). However, the equation is not balanced, meaning that the number of atoms of each element is not the same on both sides of the equation.
Step 1: Count the Number of Atoms
To balance the equation, we need to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. On the reactant side, we have:
- 1 atom of aluminum (Al)
- 2 atoms of oxygen (O2)
On the product side, we have:
- 2 atoms of aluminum (Al2)
- 3 atoms of oxygen (O3)
Step 2: Add Coefficients
To balance the equation, we need to add coefficients to the reactants and products. The goal is to make the number of atoms of each element the same on both sides of the equation. Let's start by adding coefficients to the reactants:
- Aluminum (Al): 2
- Oxygen (O2): 3
The updated equation becomes: ${ 2Al + 3O_2 \rightarrow Al_2O_3 }$
Step 3: Check the Balance
Now that we have added coefficients to the reactants, let's check if the equation is balanced. On the reactant side, we have:
- 2 atoms of aluminum (2 x 1 = 2)
- 6 atoms of oxygen (3 x 2 = 6)
On the product side, we have:
- 2 atoms of aluminum (Al2)
- 3 atoms of oxygen (O3)
The equation is still not balanced. We need to add more coefficients to the reactants to make the number of atoms of each element the same on both sides of the equation.
Step 4: Add More Coefficients
Let's add more coefficients to the reactants:
- Aluminum (Al): 2
- Oxygen (O2): 3
The updated equation becomes: ${ 2Al + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2Al_2O_3 }$
Step 5: Check the Balance Again
Now that we have added more coefficients to the reactants, let's check if the equation is balanced. On the reactant side, we have:
- 2 atoms of aluminum (2 x 1 = 2)
- 6 atoms of oxygen (3 x 2 = 6)
On the product side, we have:
- 4 atoms of aluminum (2 x 2 = 4)
- 6 atoms of oxygen (2 x 3 = 6)
The equation is now balanced!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct sequence of coefficients to balance the oxidation of aluminum is: 2, 3, 2. This means that 2 atoms of aluminum react with 3 molecules of oxygen to form 2 molecules of aluminum oxide.
Answer
The correct answer is: A. 2, 3, 2
Discussion
Balancing chemical equations is an essential skill in chemistry. It helps us understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions and predict the products of reactions. In this article, we have walked through the steps of balancing the oxidation of aluminum, which is represented by the unbalanced equation: ${ Al + O_2 \rightarrow Al_2O_3 }$
We have learned that to balance the equation, we need to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation, add coefficients to the reactants and products, and check the balance of the equation. By following these steps, we can balance the equation and predict the products of the reaction.
References
- Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., Herring, F. G., & Madura, J. D. (2007). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
Keywords
- Balancing chemical equations
- Oxidation of aluminum
- Stoichiometry
- Chemical reactions
- Coefficients
- Atoms
- Molecules
Balancing Chemical Equations: A Q&A Guide =====================================================
Introduction
Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. In our previous article, we walked through the steps of balancing the oxidation of aluminum, which is represented by the unbalanced equation: ${ Al + O_2 \rightarrow Al_2O_3 }$
In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about balancing chemical equations.
Q: What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?
A: The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is important because it helps us understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions and predict the products of reactions.
Q: How do I know if an equation is balanced?
A: To check if an equation is balanced, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. If the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides, then the equation is balanced.
Q: What are the steps to balance a chemical equation?
A: The steps to balance a chemical equation are:
- Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
- Add coefficients to the reactants and products to make the number of atoms of each element the same on both sides.
- Check the balance of the equation by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides.
Q: What is the difference between a balanced equation and an unbalanced equation?
A: A balanced equation is an equation in which the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. An unbalanced equation is an equation in which the number of atoms of each element is not the same on both sides.
Q: Can I balance a chemical equation by trial and error?
A: While it is possible to balance a chemical equation by trial and error, it is not the most efficient way to do so. A better approach is to use the steps outlined above to balance the equation systematically.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include:
- Not counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
- Adding coefficients to the wrong side of the equation.
- Not checking the balance of the equation after adding coefficients.
Q: How do I know if I have balanced a chemical equation correctly?
A: To check if you have balanced a chemical equation correctly, you need to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. If the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides, then you have balanced the equation correctly.
Conclusion
Balancing chemical equations is an essential skill in chemistry. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can balance chemical equations with confidence. Remember to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation, add coefficients to the reactants and products, and check the balance of the equation.
References
- Petrucci, R. H., Harwood, W. S., Herring, F. G., & Madura, J. D. (2007). General chemistry: Principles and modern applications. Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Atkins, P. W., & De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. Oxford University Press.
Keywords
- Balancing chemical equations
- Stoichiometry
- Chemical reactions
- Coefficients
- Atoms
- Molecules
- Chemical equations
- Balancing