Question

Select the correct coefficients that would balance the reaction below.

___MgCO3 → ___MgO + ___CO2

a) 1, 1, 1
b) 1, 1, 2
c) 1, 2, 1
d) 2, 1, 1

Answer 1

To balance the reaction ___MgCO3 → ___MgO + ___CO2, the correct coefficients are 1, 1, 3. The balanced reaction for MgCO3 → MgO + CO2 is achieved with the coefficients 1, 1, 1, making option a) the correct choice.

Step-by-step explanation:

To balance the reaction ___MgCO3 → ___MgO + ___CO2, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Let's start with carbon (C). Since there is only 1 carbon atom in magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), we need 1 carbon atom each in magnesium oxide (MgO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). So, the coefficient for carbon dioxide should be 1.

Next, let's consider magnesium (Mg). There is 1 magnesium atom in magnesium carbonate, so we need 1 magnesium atom in magnesium oxide. Therefore, the coefficient for magnesium oxide should be 1.

Finally, let's look at oxygen (O). In magnesium carbonate, there are 3 oxygen atoms. To achieve the same number of oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation, magnesium oxide needs 3 oxygen atoms as well. So, the coefficient for carbon dioxide should be 3.Therefore, the correct coefficients to balance the equation are 1, 1, 3. So, the answer is (a) 1, 1, 3.