When The Equation − Al 2 ( SO 4 ) 3 + … ZnCl 2 → AlCl 3 + … ZnSO 4 - \text{Al}_2\left(\text{SO}_4\right)_3 + \ldots \text{ZnCl}_2 \rightarrow \text{AlCl}_3 + \ldots \text{ZnSO}_4 − Al 2 ​ ( SO 4 ​ ) 3 ​ + … ZnCl 2 ​ → AlCl 3 ​ + … ZnSO 4 ​ Is Correctly Balanced Using The Smallest Whole Number Coefficients, What Is The Sum Of The Coefficients?A. 9

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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 explore the process of balancing a chemical equation using the smallest whole number coefficients.

Understanding the Equation

The given equation is:

−Al2(SO4)3+…ZnCl2→AlCl3+…ZnSO4- \text{Al}_2\left(\text{SO}_4\right)_3 + \ldots \text{ZnCl}_2 \rightarrow \text{AlCl}_3 + \ldots \text{ZnSO}_4

This equation represents a redox reaction between aluminum sulfate and zinc chloride. The goal is to balance this equation using the smallest whole number coefficients.

Step 1: Write the Unbalanced Equation

The first step is to write the unbalanced equation. In this case, the equation is already given.

−Al2(SO4)3+…ZnCl2→AlCl3+…ZnSO4- \text{Al}_2\left(\text{SO}_4\right)_3 + \ldots \text{ZnCl}_2 \rightarrow \text{AlCl}_3 + \ldots \text{ZnSO}_4

Step 2: Count the Atoms

The next step is to count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

Element Reactants Products
Al 2 1
S 3 1
O 12 4
Zn 1 1
Cl 2 3

Step 3: Balance the Equation

To balance the equation, we need to add coefficients to the reactants and products. We will start by balancing the elements that appear only once on both sides of the equation.

  • Zn: Since there is only one zinc atom on both sides of the equation, we can leave it as it is.
  • Cl: To balance the chlorine atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 to the product AlCl3 and a coefficient of 2 to the reactant ZnCl2.

The updated equation is:

−Al2(SO4)3+2ZnCl2→2AlCl3+…ZnSO4- \text{Al}_2\left(\text{SO}_4\right)_3 + 2\text{ZnCl}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{AlCl}_3 + \ldots \text{ZnSO}_4

Step 4: Balance the Remaining Elements

Now that we have balanced the chlorine atoms, we need to balance the remaining elements.

  • Al: To balance the aluminum atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 to the product AlCl3.
  • S: To balance the sulfur atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 3 to the product ZnSO4.
  • O: To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 12 to the product ZnSO4.

The updated equation is:

−2Al2(SO4)3+2ZnCl2→2AlCl3+3ZnSO4- 2\text{Al}_2\left(\text{SO}_4\right)_3 + 2\text{ZnCl}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{AlCl}_3 + 3\text{ZnSO}_4

Step 5: Check the Balance

The final step is to check the balance of the equation.

Element Reactants Products
Al 4 2
S 12 3
O 48 12
Zn 2 3
Cl 4 6

The equation is now balanced.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, we can balance a chemical equation using the smallest whole number coefficients. In this case, the sum of the coefficients is 2 + 3 = 5.

The Final Answer

The sum of the coefficients is 5.

Additional Information

  • Redox Reactions: Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons from one species to another. In this case, the reaction involves the transfer of electrons from aluminum to zinc.
  • Chemical Equations: Chemical equations are used to represent chemical reactions. They consist of reactants, products, and coefficients.
  • Balancing Chemical Equations: Balancing chemical equations 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.

References

Introduction

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. In our previous article, we explored the process of balancing a chemical equation using the smallest whole number coefficients. 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 allows us to predict the products of a reaction and understand the stoichiometry of the reaction.

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

A: To determine if a chemical 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 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 of the equation.

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation?

A: To balance a chemical equation, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Write the unbalanced equation.
  2. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
  3. Add coefficients to the reactants and products to balance the equation.
  4. Check the balance of the equation.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include:

  • Adding coefficients to the wrong reactants or products.
  • Not counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
  • Not checking the balance of the equation.

Q: How do I determine the coefficients of a balanced equation?

A: To determine the coefficients of a balanced equation, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
  2. Add coefficients to the reactants and products to balance the equation.
  3. Check the balance of the equation.

Q: What is the significance of balancing chemical equations in real-world applications?

A: Balancing chemical equations is significant in real-world applications because it allows us to predict the products of a reaction and understand the stoichiometry of the reaction. This is important in fields such as chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science.

Q: Can you provide an example of a balanced equation?

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

H2+O2→H2O\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{O}

This equation is balanced because the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Conclusion

Balancing chemical equations is a crucial step in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can balance a chemical equation using the smallest whole number coefficients. Remember to avoid common mistakes and to check the balance of the equation.

Additional Information

References