Question

Hat coefficients would balance the following equation?

__AI + __O2 -> __Al2O3
A) 4, 3, 2
B) 2, 3, 4
C) 3, 2, 4
D) 1, 2, 2

Answer 1

The coefficients that balance the chemical equation AI + O2 -> Al2O3 are found by ensuring an equal number of atoms for each element on both sides; the balanced equation is 4AI + 3O2 -> 2Al2O3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks what coefficients would balance the chemical equation AI + O2 -> Al2O3. To balance the equation, you must ensure that there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. To balance the aluminum atoms, you need two atoms of aluminum on both sides, hence you can achieve this by placing a coefficient of 4 in front of AI, resulting in 4 aluminum atoms, which corresponds to the 2 molecules of Al2O3 produced since each molecule contains two aluminum atoms. For oxygen, there are three molecules O2, each providing two oxygen atoms for a total of six oxygen atoms on the reactant side, which balances with the six oxygen atoms found in two molecules of Al2O3. Therefore, the balanced equation is 4AI + 3O2 -> 2Al2O3.