Question

What are the coefficients that will balance the skeleton equation below? n + h ⟶ nh?

Answer 1

The balanced equation for the reaction between nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) to produce ammonia (NH3) is N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced equation for the reaction between nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) to produce ammonia (NH3) is:

N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH3

The coefficients for this balanced equation indicate the mole ratio required for the reaction. One mole of N₂ will react with three moles of H₂ to produce two moles of NH3.

Answer 2

The coefficients are the whole numbers written before the substances to obey the Law of Conservation of Mass, or more specifically, the Law of Definite Proportions. You have to make sure that the number of each substance before and after the reaction must be the same. Thus, the given reaction is already balanced. The coefficient for each substance in the reaction is 1. When no coefficient is written, it is by default equal to 1.