Final answer:
To balance the reaction of aluminum with sulfuric acid to produce sulfur dioxide, the coefficients are determined to be: 2 Al, 3 H₂SO₄, 1 Al₂(SO₄)₃ (implied), 3 SO₂, and 6 H₂O.
Step-by-step explanation:
To complete and balance the reaction of aluminum dissolving in sulfuric acid to produce sulfur dioxide, we must assign values to the coefficients a through f. The balanced reaction is as follows:
2 Al(s) + 3 H₂SO₄(aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃(aq) + 3 SO₂(g) + 6 H₂O(l)
Therefore, the coefficients a through f should be assigned as follows:
a. 2 (for aluminum, Al)
b. 3 (for sulfuric acid, H₂SO₄)
c. 1 (for the product aluminum sulfate, Al₂(SO₄)₃, which is implied)
d. 3 (for sulfur dioxide, SO₂)
e. 6 (for water, H₂O)
f. This coefficient is not used in the balanced equation as provided.