When The Following Equation Is Balanced Using The Smallest Possible Integers, What Is The Coefficient In Front Of Potassium Nitrate?${ Pb\left(NO_3\right)_2 + K_2CO_3 \rightarrow PbCO_3 + KNO_3 }$a) 2 B) 4 C) 1 D) 3
Understanding the Basics of Balancing Chemical Equations
Balancing chemical equations is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions. It involves adjusting the coefficients of reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. In this article, we will focus on balancing the given equation and determining the coefficient in front of potassium nitrate.
The Given Equation
The given equation is:
Our goal is to balance this equation using the smallest possible integers.
Step 1: Count the Number of Atoms for Each Element
To balance the equation, we need to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides. Let's start by counting the number of atoms for each element:
- Pb (Lead): 1
- N (Nitrogen): 2
- O (Oxygen): 6
- K (Potassium): 2
- C (Carbon): 1
Step 2: Balance the Equation
Now that we have counted the number of atoms for each element, we can start balancing the equation. We will begin by balancing the elements that appear only once on both sides of the equation.
- Pb (Lead): 1
- C (Carbon): 1
Since the number of atoms for Pb and C is the same on both sides, we can move on to the next element.
- N (Nitrogen): 2
To balance the nitrogen atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of KNO3.
Step 3: Balance the Oxygen Atoms
Now that we have balanced the nitrogen atoms, we need to balance the oxygen atoms. We can see that there are 6 oxygen atoms on the reactant side and 6 oxygen atoms on the product side. However, we need to balance the oxygen atoms in the KNO3 molecule.
To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of KNO3.
Step 4: Balance the Potassium Atoms
Now that we have balanced the oxygen atoms, we need to balance the potassium atoms. We can see that there are 2 potassium atoms on the reactant side and 2 potassium atoms on the product side.
However, we need to balance the potassium atoms in the K2CO3 molecule.
To balance the potassium atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of K2CO3.
Step 5: Balance the Lead Atoms
Now that we have balanced the potassium atoms, we need to balance the lead atoms. We can see that there are 2 lead atoms on the reactant side and 2 lead atoms on the product side.
However, we need to balance the lead atoms in the PbCO3 molecule.
To balance the lead atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of PbCO3.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the balanced equation is:
The coefficient in front of potassium nitrate (KNO3) is 2.
Answer
The correct answer is:
a) 2
Final Thoughts
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 of the equation. This helps us understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions and predict the amounts of reactants and products that will be formed.
Q: What are the steps involved in balancing a chemical equation?
A: The steps involved in balancing a chemical equation are:
- Count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides.
- Balance the elements that appear only once on both sides of the equation.
- Balance the elements that appear more than once on both sides of the equation.
- Check your work to ensure that the equation is balanced.
Q: How do I know when a chemical equation is balanced?
A: A chemical equation is balanced when the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. You can check if an equation is balanced by counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation.
Q: What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced chemical equation?
A: A balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides, while an unbalanced chemical equation has a different number of atoms for each element on both sides.
Q: Can a chemical equation be balanced in more than one way?
A: Yes, a chemical equation can be balanced in more than one way. However, the balanced equation with the smallest possible integers is the preferred solution.
Q: How do I determine the coefficient in front of a product in a balanced chemical equation?
A: To determine the coefficient in front of a product in a balanced chemical equation, you need to count the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation. The coefficient is the number of times the product appears on the product side.
Q: What is the coefficient in front of potassium nitrate (KNO3) in the balanced equation?
A: The coefficient in front of potassium nitrate (KNO3) in the balanced equation is 2.
Q: Can I use a calculator to balance a chemical equation?
A: Yes, you can use a calculator to balance a chemical equation. However, it's always a good idea to check your work by hand to ensure that the equation is balanced.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing a chemical equation?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing a chemical equation include:
- Not counting the number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides.
- Not balancing the elements that appear only once on both sides of the equation.
- Not balancing the elements that appear more than once on both sides of the equation.
- Not checking your work to ensure that the equation is balanced.
Q: How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced using the smallest possible integers?
A: A chemical equation is balanced using the smallest possible integers when the coefficient in front of each product is the smallest possible integer.
Q: Can I use a computer program to balance a chemical equation?
A: Yes, you can use a computer program to balance a chemical equation. However, it's always a good idea to check your work by hand to ensure that the equation is balanced.
Conclusion
Balancing chemical equations is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the stoichiometry of chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can balance a chemical equation and determine the coefficient in front of a product. Remember to count the number of atoms for each element, balance the equation, and check your work to ensure that the equation is balanced.