Question

Given the following equation: __ Al(s) __ O2(g) --> __ Al2O3(s) When the equation is correctly balanced using smallest whole numbers, the coefficient of Al(s) is:

Answer 1

The coefficient for Al(s) is 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

__ Al(s) __ O2(g) --> __ Al2O3(s)

__ Al(s) __ O2(g) --> 1 Al2O3(s)

1 Al(s) __ O2(g) --> 1 Al2O3(s)

1 Al(s) + 1.5 O2(g) --> 1 Al2O3(s) [Use a fraction to make it balance]

2 Al(s) + 3 O2(g) --> 2 Al2O3(s) [Convert the 1.5 fraction to a whole number by multiplying all coefficients by 2]