The correct set of coefficients to balance the given chemical equation (Au2O3 → Au + O2) in accordance with the law of conservation of mass is B. 1, 3, 1. The balanced equation is 2Au2O3 → 6Au + 3O2.
To find the correct set of coefficients for the chemical equation __Au2O3 → _Au + _O2 that follows the law of conservation of mass, we need to ensure that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation. Let's balance the equation step by step:
Start with gold (Au). There are 2 gold atoms on the reactant side (in Au2O3), so we need 2 gold atoms on the product side, which means we need a coefficient of 2 in front of Au.
Now look at oxygen (O). There are 3 oxygen atoms on the reactant side, so we need 3 oxygen atoms on the product side. To achieve this with O2, we need to place a coefficient of 3/2 in front of O2, but since we cannot have a fraction as a coefficient in a balanced chemical equation, we must find a whole number that works. If we double everything, we will get a coefficient of 3 in front of Au and a coefficient of 3 in front of O2, to have 6 oxygen atoms on both sides.
Finally, we return to the reactant side and adjust the coefficient for Au2O3 to 2, so we keep the balanced number of gold atoms and double the number of oxygen atoms as we did on the product side.
The balanced equation is 2Au2O3 → 6Au + 3O2. Therefore, the correct set of coefficients in order from left to right is B. 1, 3, 1.
This shows that the chemical equation is balanced as law of conservation of mass is obeyed since the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation.