Kiley Wants To Balance The Equation H 2 + N 2 → N H 3 H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3 H 2 ​ + N 2 ​ → N H 3 ​ . Which Would Be Her First Step In Balancing The Equation?A. Multiplying The Subscripts In The Atoms Of The Reactants TogetherB. Adding The Coefficient 3 In Front Of

Understanding the Basics of Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in chemistry that helps us understand the stoichiometry of a reaction. It involves adding coefficients in front of the formulas of reactants or products to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. In this article, we will focus on the first step in balancing the equation $H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3$.

Step 1: Write the Unbalanced Equation

The first step in balancing a chemical equation is to write the unbalanced equation. This involves writing the reactants and products in their correct formulas. In this case, the unbalanced equation is:

$H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3$

Step 2: Count the Number of Atoms

The next step is to count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. This will help us identify which elements are imbalanced.

Step 3: Identify the Imbalanced Elements

From the count, we can see that hydrogen (H) is imbalanced, with 2 atoms on the reactant side and 3 atoms on the product side. Nitrogen (N) is also imbalanced, with 2 atoms on the reactant side and 1 atom on the product side.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Method

There are two common methods to balance chemical equations: the algebraic method and the inspection method. The algebraic method involves using variables to represent the unknown coefficients, while the inspection method involves using trial and error to find the correct coefficients.

In this case, we will use the inspection method to balance the equation.

Step 5: Balance the Imbalanced Elements

To balance the imbalanced elements, we need to add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants or products. We will start by balancing the hydrogen atoms.

Since there are 2 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side and 3 hydrogen atoms on the product side, we need to add a coefficient of 3 in front of the $H_2$ formula on the reactant side.

$3H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3$

However, this would result in 6 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side, which is still not balanced with the 3 hydrogen atoms on the product side.

A. Multiplying the Subscripts in the Atoms of the Reactants Together

Multiplying the subscripts in the atoms of the reactants together is not a valid method for balancing chemical equations. This method would result in changing the formulas of the reactants, which is not allowed.

B. Adding the Coefficient 3 in Front of the $H_2$ Formula

Adding the coefficient 3 in front of the $H_2$ formula is a valid method for balancing the hydrogen atoms. However, we need to make sure that the coefficient is applied correctly.

The Correct Answer

The correct answer is B. Adding the coefficient 3 in front of the $H_2$ formula. This is the first step in balancing the equation $H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3$.

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of balancing chemical equations?

A: The purpose of balancing chemical equations is to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This helps us understand the stoichiometry of a reaction, which is essential in chemistry.

Q: What are the steps involved in balancing a chemical equation?

A: The steps involved in balancing a chemical equation are:

1. Write the unbalanced equation
2. Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides
3. Identify the imbalanced elements
4. Choose the correct method (algebraic or inspection method)
5. Balance the imbalanced elements

Q: What is the difference between the algebraic method and the inspection method?

A: The algebraic method involves using variables to represent the unknown coefficients, while the inspection method involves using trial and error to find the correct coefficients.

Q: How do I choose between the algebraic method and the inspection method?

A: You can choose between the algebraic method and the inspection method based on the complexity of the equation. If the equation is simple, you can use the inspection method. If the equation is complex, you may need to use the algebraic method.

Q: What is the first step in balancing the equation $H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3$?

A: The first step in balancing the equation $H_2 + N_2 \rightarrow NH_3$ is to add the coefficient 3 in front of the $H_2$ formula on the reactant side.

Q: Why is it not valid to multiply the subscripts in the atoms of the reactants together?

A: Multiplying the subscripts in the atoms of the reactants together is not valid because it would result in changing the formulas of the reactants, which is not allowed.

Q: What is the importance of balancing chemical equations?

A: Balancing chemical equations is essential in chemistry because it helps us understand the stoichiometry of a reaction. This is crucial in predicting the amount of reactants and products required for a reaction.

Q: Can I balance a chemical equation by trial and error?

A: Yes, you can balance a chemical equation by trial and error. However, this method can be time-consuming and may not always lead to the correct solution.

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 the reactant and product sides
• Not identifying the imbalanced elements
• Not choosing the correct method (algebraic or inspection method)
• Not balancing the imbalanced elements correctly

Q: How can I practice balancing chemical equations?

A: You can practice balancing chemical equations by working through examples and exercises. You can also use online resources and practice problems to help you improve your skills.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in chemistry that helps us understand the stoichiometry of a reaction. In this article, we discussed the steps involved in balancing a chemical equation, the importance of balancing chemical equations, and some common mistakes to avoid. We also provided a Q&A guide to help you better understand the concept of balancing chemical equations.