The Equation For Water Is H 2 + O 2 → H 2 O H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O H 2 + O 2 → H 2 O . To Balance The Equation, Which Coefficient Should Be Placed In Front Of H 2 H_2 H 2 And H 2 O H_2O H 2 O ?A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

Mar 13, 2025 by ADMIN 230 views

**The Equation for Water: Balancing the Chemical Reaction**

Understanding the Chemical Equation

The chemical equation for water is $H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O$ . This equation represents the reaction between hydrogen gas ( $H_2$ ) and oxygen gas ( $O_2$ ) to form water ( $H_2O$ ). However, the equation is not balanced, meaning that the number of atoms of each element is not equal on both the reactant and product sides. To balance the equation, we need to add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products.

Balancing the Chemical Equation

To balance the equation, we need to make sure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides. Let's start by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

On the reactant side, we have 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms.
On the product side, we have 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

To balance the equation, we need to add a coefficient in front of $H_2$ and $H_2O$ to make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides.

Adding Coefficients

Let's add a coefficient of 2 in front of $H_2O$ to make the number of oxygen atoms equal on both sides.

$H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$

Now, the number of oxygen atoms is equal on both sides, but the number of hydrogen atoms is not. To balance the number of hydrogen atoms, we need to add a coefficient in front of $H_2$ .

Finding the Correct Coefficient

To find the correct coefficient, we need to make sure that the number of hydrogen atoms is equal on both sides. Since we have 2 hydrogen atoms on the reactant side, we need to multiply $H_2O$ by 2 to make the number of hydrogen atoms equal on both sides.

$H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$

However, this is not the correct answer. We need to find the correct coefficient that will balance the equation.

The Correct Coefficient

To balance the equation, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of $H_2$ .

$2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$

Now, the number of hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms is equal on both sides, and the equation is balanced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to balance the chemical equation for water, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of $H_2$ . This will make the number of hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms equal on both sides, and the equation will be balanced.

The Final Answer

The final answer is:

This is the correct coefficient that should be placed in front of $H_2$ and $H_2O$ to balance the equation.

Discussion

What is the chemical equation for water?
Why is the equation not balanced?
How do we balance the equation?
What is the correct coefficient that should be placed in front of $H_2$ and $H_2O$ ?

Answer Key

The chemical equation for water is $H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O$ .
The equation is not balanced because the number of hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms is not equal on both sides.
We balance the equation by adding coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products.
The correct coefficient that should be placed in front of $H_2$ and $H_2O$ is 2.
Q&A: Balancing Chemical Equations =====================================

Q: What is a balanced chemical equation?

A: A balanced chemical equation is a chemical equation in which the number of atoms of each element is equal on both the reactant and product sides.

Q: Why is it important to balance chemical equations?

A: Balancing chemical equations is important because it ensures that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. By balancing the equation, we can ensure that the number of atoms of each element is conserved.

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation?

A: To balance a chemical equation, follow these steps:

Write the unbalanced equation.
Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
Add coefficients in front of the formulas of the reactants and products to make the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides.
Check that the equation is balanced by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides.

Q: What is a coefficient in a chemical equation?

A: A coefficient is a number that is placed in front of a formula in a chemical equation. Coefficients are used to balance the equation by making the number of atoms of each element equal on both sides.

Q: How do I know which coefficient to use?

A: To determine which coefficient to use, count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. Then, add a coefficient in front of the formula of the reactant or product that has the fewest number of atoms of each element.

Q: What is the difference between a coefficient and a subscript?

A: A coefficient is a number that is placed in front of a formula in a chemical equation. A subscript is a number that is placed as a superscript in a formula to indicate the number of atoms of an element that are present.

Q: Can a coefficient be a fraction?

A: No, a coefficient cannot be a fraction. Coefficients must be whole numbers.

Q: How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced?

A: To determine if a chemical equation is balanced, count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. If the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides, then the equation is balanced.

Q: What is the importance of balancing chemical equations in real-life applications?

A: Balancing chemical equations is important in real-life applications because it ensures that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. This is crucial in industries such as chemistry, physics, and engineering, where the accuracy of chemical reactions is critical.

Q: Can you give an example of a balanced chemical equation?

A: Yes, here is an example of a balanced chemical equation:

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

In this equation, the number of hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms is equal on both sides, making it a balanced equation.

Q: What is the final answer to the original question?

A: The final answer to the original question is 2. This is the correct coefficient that should be placed in front of H2 and H2O to balance the equation.